Also, when older adults score lower on tests related to memory and learning, they are more likely to have the “early stages of the eye disease age-related macular degeneration.”

Image: sxc.hu.

Post from: Blisstree

Eye Disease Linked To Cognitive Impairment

A team of researchers across seven European countries and co-ordinated by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine sought to investigate the association between fish intake and omega 3 fatty acids with wet AMD, comparing people with wet AMD with controls. Participants were interviewed about their dietary habits including how much fish they ate and what type. Information on the main omega 3 fatty acids (docosahexaenoicacid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was obtained by linking dietary data with food composition tables.

The findings show that people who habitually consume oily fish at least once a week compared with less than once a week are 50% less likely to have wet AMD. There was no benefit from consumption of non oily white fish. There was a strong inverse association between levels of DHA and EPA and wet AMD. People in the top 25% of DHA and EPA levels (300 mg per day and above) were 70% less likely to have wet AMD.

Would fish oil supplement do the trick as well? They don’t know.

Post from: Blisstree

Oily Fish Consumption May Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration

A new study published in the Journal of Lipid Research, however, provides clues as to how the compounds move from the blood stream to the eye. Apparently, a protein called SR-B1, or scavenger receptor class B, type 1, is responsible for transporting nutrients to the eye.

These study provides supporting evidence on the potential of zeaxanthin and lutein in preventing the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of legal blindness for people over 55 years of age in the Western world.

Read more here.

Photo Credit: danilima

Post from: Blisstree

Zeaxanthin and Lutein Transporter Protein

Aside from that, egg consumption also offer a roster of other health benefits. They are an excellent source of choline (important in fetal brain development but well, maybe it’s never too late), selenium (prevents cancer), lutein and zeaxanthin (prevents cataracts and macular degeneration) and vitamin D (for healthy bones).

So, how do you like your eggs?

Post from: Blisstree

Break an Egg!

According to this related article in WebMD:

Foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin include leafy green vegetables (such as spinach, kale, turnip greens, collards, and mustard greens), squash, green peas, broccoli, pumpkin, and corn.

Foods rich in vitamin E include vegetable oils, almonds, sunflower seeds, leafy green veggies, and fortified cereals.

You might also want to check out this related entry on lutein/zeaxanthin and macular degeneration.

Post from: Blisstree

Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Vitamin E Reduce Cataract Risk

Higher intake of {omega}-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (DHA), as well as fish consumption, was associated with decreased likelihood of having neovascular AMD (advanced age-related macular degeneration).

Omega-3 fatty acids may influence processes involved in the development of blood vessel– and nerve-related diseases of the retina, the authors write. For instance, DHA may protect the retina by influencing which genes turn on and off, while fatty acids overall may eventually form compounds that promote cell survival and proper blood vessel function, reduce inflammation and maintain energy balance.

In another report, the results of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 Through 1994 indicates that vitamin D may protect against the early stages of AMD, possibly by reducing inflammation or by preventing the growth of new blood vessels in the retina, which contributes to some forms of AMD. The authors admit though that further population studies are needed to confirm the vitamin D-AMD association.

Post from: Blisstree

Omega-3 Fatty Acid (DHA), Fish and Vitamin D May Help Prevent Macular Degeneration

“A significant augmentation of macular pigment density was found in a majority of study subjects, including those afflicted with AMD. The importance of these findings rests on the fact that the beneficial effects of these antioxidants can also be extended to subjects with established disease.”

It seems that supplemental lutein and/or zeaxanthin may delay, prevent, or modify the course of AMD. The study has been published in the April issue of Experimental Eye Research. More details from Nutra Ingredients.

Post from: Blisstree

Xangold Lutein Effective Against Age-Related Macular Degeneration

According to a study published in this month’s American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a watercress diet resulted to

• significant reduction in DNA damage to lymphocytes (white blood cells), by 22.9 per cent.
• reduction in DNA damage to lymphocytes (white blood cells) when a sample was challenged with the free radical generating chemical hydrogen peroxide, by 9.4%
• reduction in blood triglyceride levels, by an average of 10%
• significant increase in blood levels of lutein and beta-carotene, which have antioxidant activity, by 100% and 33% respectively (higher intakes of lutein have also been associated with a lower incidence of eye diseases such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration).

For more on the cancer-fighting abilities of watercress, see this list of medical literature on watercress and phenylethylisothiocyanate.

[Photo: Watercress.co.uk]

Post from: Blisstree

Watercress Reduce DNA Damages Leading to Cancer

]]> http://www.blisstree.com/articles/watercress-reduce-dna-damages-leading-to-cancer-116/feed/ 4