A recent groundbreaking study conducted on a group of elderly individuals has revealed that incorporating grapes into one's daily diet may enhance vision in old age.
While adhering to a balanced diet is crucial for weight loss, certain foods can assist specific parts of the human body in maintaining optimal functionality for an extended period.
According to a new research, daily consumption of grapes can potentially contribute to maintaining the health of the eyes to the best of their ability. This information was reported by the British newspaper "The Mirror," citing the journal "Food & Function."
A Cup and a Half
The results of this novel study indicated that seniors who consumed a cup and a half of grapes daily, or 46 grams of grape powder, over a period of four months, already experienced an improvement in their eye health.
This pioneering study assessed the impact of grape consumption on the accumulation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, compounds found in fruits and vegetables known for their benefits to eyesight.
"Highly Intriguing"
Dr. Jong Eun Kim, the lead researcher of the study, remarked, "This study is the first to demonstrate that grape consumption positively affects human eye health, which is highly intriguing, particularly with advancing age. Grapes are readily available fruit and studies have shown that they can have a beneficial impact in moderate quantities, not exceeding just a cup and a half per day."
Harmful Compounds
Eye diseases and vision problems are more prevalent among the elderly. According to the researchers, one of the main causes of these conditions is harmful compounds referred to as AGEs (advanced glycation end-products), which can form when proteins or fats combine with sugar in the bloodstream. These compounds contribute to disease by damaging the blood vessel components in the retina, subsequently weakening cellular function.
Antioxidants
Dietary antioxidants can prevent the formation of AGEs, potentially benefiting the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells by exhibiting an improvement in macular pigment optical density (MPOD), an important measure of visual health. Grapes, in addition to being a rich source of Vitamin C, are packed with antioxidants known as phenolic compounds, which can prevent the body from producing harmful AGEs.
Multifaceted Benefits
Researchers conducted a randomized human study on 34 participants, where some consumed a cup and a half of grapes daily for 16 weeks, while others received a placebo. Those who consumed grapes exhibited a significant increase in MPOD, along with an enhancement in antioxidant capacity in the plasma and total phenolic content.
In conclusion, these findings underscore the potential benefits of including grapes in one's daily diet, especially for the elderly, in maintaining and improving visual health as they age.
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