By Sam McManis
Macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss among older Americans, can be regulated by diet, according to Tufts University research published in the journal Ophthalmology.
Take our quiz about foods that can raise or lower the incidence of age-related macular degeneration, or AMD.
1. Foods high on the glycemic-index scale can contribute to AMD. Which food rates the highest in glycemic index?
a) Baguette
b) Ice cream
c) Parsnips
2. Which fruit rates the lowest on the glycemic index?
a) Cherries
b) Bananas
c) Pineapple
3. Among other items, Tufts researchers recommend eating which food often to change blood sugar more gradually?
a) Baked potato
b) Lentils
c) Puffed wheat cereal
4. True or false: The nutrient beta carotene significantly affected AMD risk in the study.
5. What is one of the main non-dietary risk factors for AMD, according to Tufts:
a) Smoking
b) Gender
c) Both
ANSWERS:
1: c (parsnips: 97; baguette: 95; ice cream: 61);
2: a (cherries: 22; banana: 54; pineapple: 66);
3: b;
4: false;
5: c
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Superfruit that Lowers Bad Cholesterol and Promotes Good Health
Considered to be the most popular berry fruit in the world, the over 600 varieties of strawberries have been enjoyed throughout the world for their delicious flavor and countless uses. As they pertain to health, strawberries are increasingly being recognized by modern medicine as a "superfruit". Loaded with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer compounds, strawberries are among the most nutritionally-dense fruits available. Among their many attributes are their powerfully high antioxidant levels and their abundance of flavonoids, polyphenols, phytonutrients, and fiber.
Strawberry phenols have the ability to decrease the activity of the cyclo-oxygenase, or COX enzyme whose hyperactivity causes inflammation. Many people take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen for pain. These drugs are synthetically designed to be COX-inhibitors; however, strawberries contain natural phenols that serve this same purpose without causing intestinal bleeding like artificial drugs do.
Among these phenols are anthocyanins, which function as potent antioxidants that protect cell structures from free radical oxygen damage, and ellagitannins, which have been found in studies to decrease rates of cancer death. The unique blend of beneficial compounds contained within strawberries has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells with no specific correlation to antioxidant levels, indicating the idiosyncratic healing composition of strawberries in their whole, complete form.
Strawberries and other fruits rich in vitamin C have been shown in studies to help prevent age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). One such study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology revealed that consuming three or more servings of fruit a day reduces the risk of developing ARMD by more than 36%.
Strawberries have been recognized as a type of "superfruit" because of their high levels of B vitamins as well as vitamin C, manganese, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin K, magnesium, copper, folate, and riboflavin. The distinct synergy of these nutrients is what constitutes the strawberry as a powerful healing food that is both delicious and plentiful year round.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Strawberry phenols have the ability to decrease the activity of the cyclo-oxygenase, or COX enzyme whose hyperactivity causes inflammation. Many people take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen for pain. These drugs are synthetically designed to be COX-inhibitors; however, strawberries contain natural phenols that serve this same purpose without causing intestinal bleeding like artificial drugs do.
Among these phenols are anthocyanins, which function as potent antioxidants that protect cell structures from free radical oxygen damage, and ellagitannins, which have been found in studies to decrease rates of cancer death. The unique blend of beneficial compounds contained within strawberries has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells with no specific correlation to antioxidant levels, indicating the idiosyncratic healing composition of strawberries in their whole, complete form.
Strawberries and other fruits rich in vitamin C have been shown in studies to help prevent age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). One such study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology revealed that consuming three or more servings of fruit a day reduces the risk of developing ARMD by more than 36%.
Strawberries have been recognized as a type of "superfruit" because of their high levels of B vitamins as well as vitamin C, manganese, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin K, magnesium, copper, folate, and riboflavin. The distinct synergy of these nutrients is what constitutes the strawberry as a powerful healing food that is both delicious and plentiful year round.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Go Orange: Amazing Pumpkin Health Benefits, Allegedly
By Jacob Katel
Fall is here, supposedly. In Miami we've still got 90-degree days, and a monster electric bill.
But at least pumpkins are here again because despite what the weather would have you believe it is in fact "that time of year."
Here are some alleged pumpkin health benefits that'll have you going for the gourd:
"Pumpkins are high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which scavenge free radicals in the lens of the eye. Therefore, they may help prevent the formation of cataracts and reduce the risk of macular degeneration." [AssociatedContent]
The distinctive bright orange color of pumpkin clearly indicates that it's an excellent source of that all-important antioxidant beta-carotene. [HowStuffWorks]
Pumpkin seeds are high in protein, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper and essential fatty acids. [Dietobio]
Half cup of pumpkin seeds contains 92 percent of your daily value of magnesium, a mineral in which most Americans are deficient. [HealthDiaries]
Modern folk healers believe the pumpkin to be beneficial in ridding the body of intestinal worms and also believe the ground stem of the pumpkin brewed into a tea may help ease women during their menstrual cycle. [HubPages]
A full cup of pumpkin cut into cubes has only thirty delicious calories and almost no fat. [HealthMad]
Phytosterols are compounds found in plants that have a chemical structure very similar to cholesterol, and when present in the diet in sufficient amounts, are believed to reduce blood levels of cholesterol, enhance the immune response and decrease risk of certain cancers. [WHfoods]
The alpha-carotene and beta-carotene are potent antioxidants found in pumpkin and are pro-vitamin A carotenoids, meaning the body converts them to vitamin A.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Fall is here, supposedly. In Miami we've still got 90-degree days, and a monster electric bill.
But at least pumpkins are here again because despite what the weather would have you believe it is in fact "that time of year."
Here are some alleged pumpkin health benefits that'll have you going for the gourd:
"Pumpkins are high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which scavenge free radicals in the lens of the eye. Therefore, they may help prevent the formation of cataracts and reduce the risk of macular degeneration." [AssociatedContent]
The distinctive bright orange color of pumpkin clearly indicates that it's an excellent source of that all-important antioxidant beta-carotene. [HowStuffWorks]
Pumpkin seeds are high in protein, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper and essential fatty acids. [Dietobio]
Half cup of pumpkin seeds contains 92 percent of your daily value of magnesium, a mineral in which most Americans are deficient. [HealthDiaries]
Modern folk healers believe the pumpkin to be beneficial in ridding the body of intestinal worms and also believe the ground stem of the pumpkin brewed into a tea may help ease women during their menstrual cycle. [HubPages]
A full cup of pumpkin cut into cubes has only thirty delicious calories and almost no fat. [HealthMad]
Phytosterols are compounds found in plants that have a chemical structure very similar to cholesterol, and when present in the diet in sufficient amounts, are believed to reduce blood levels of cholesterol, enhance the immune response and decrease risk of certain cancers. [WHfoods]
The alpha-carotene and beta-carotene are potent antioxidants found in pumpkin and are pro-vitamin A carotenoids, meaning the body converts them to vitamin A.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Monday, October 5, 2009
Eye Supplements - Beyond Vitamin A
By: Rebecca Prescott
The eyes are something that many people take for granted, until disease or injury start to affect them, at which point your whole life can be seriously affected. Of course, there are some things, such as accidents and injuries, that can impact your eyes and will require specialist treatment. And in some cases there is nothing that can be done about problems that affect the eyes, such as genetic problems. However, we can look after our optical health in a number of other ways, and one important factor that can help to maintain them is nutrition.
There are a number of things that can affect the health of our eyes, some of which are out of our control and others that we can try and avoid. Some things that potentially increase the risk of eye problems include age, obesity, smoking, excessive exposure to sunlight, and even gender.
Whilst some people will be more at risk than others when it comes to poor eye health, it has been proven that nutrition does play an important role in the health of our vision, and this is therefore something that should be taken into account if you’re interested in preventing age related deterioration.
Studies have shown that certain foods contain antioxidants that can are particularly beneficial for our eyes. However, not everyone manages to eat as much fresh produce as they should to get these benefits. Often a busy lifestyle or other factors can affect the ability to eat a balanced diet. However, the wide range of vitamin supplements that are on the market today have made it easier for consumers to get their recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals, although those taking supplements should still try and eat as well as they can in order to maximize the benefits.
Some important supplements that have been identified in relation to eye health are vitamins A, C, and E. These are the antioxidant vitamins.
Vitamin A is well known for its’ role in night vision, but it is also important for preventing night blindness is pregnant women, and the health of our skin, hair and mucous membranes. It is found in animal products like liver, whole eggs, and milk.
Vitamin C helps reduce the risk of developing glaucoma, macular degeneration or cataracts. Bioflavanoids are available in combination with vitamin C in some supplements, and this is because they help the body absorb it. Vitamin E also helps reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Other supplements that contribute to eye health include beta carotene, lutein, zinc oxide, selenium, and cupric oxide. Lutein is not as well known as some other supplements, but it is central to eye health. It is found in the retina, eye lens, and macula. People who smoke should be careful they get enough lutein, as smoking can affect its’ levels.
Smokers should also be aware that some studies have found that some of those participating who took beta carotene supplements and smoked were at risk of several diseases. These were only small studies however, but care should still be taken.
Eye supplements are a convenient way to get these nutrients, and often contain herbal preparations like bilberry. However, you should remember that exceeding the recommended doses can lead to side effects, so be aware of the total amount of each nutrient you are taking from multivitamins and any other supplements. This is of particular importance with fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A, though if you are not taking high doses of any vitamins you should be alright.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
The eyes are something that many people take for granted, until disease or injury start to affect them, at which point your whole life can be seriously affected. Of course, there are some things, such as accidents and injuries, that can impact your eyes and will require specialist treatment. And in some cases there is nothing that can be done about problems that affect the eyes, such as genetic problems. However, we can look after our optical health in a number of other ways, and one important factor that can help to maintain them is nutrition.
There are a number of things that can affect the health of our eyes, some of which are out of our control and others that we can try and avoid. Some things that potentially increase the risk of eye problems include age, obesity, smoking, excessive exposure to sunlight, and even gender.
Whilst some people will be more at risk than others when it comes to poor eye health, it has been proven that nutrition does play an important role in the health of our vision, and this is therefore something that should be taken into account if you’re interested in preventing age related deterioration.
Studies have shown that certain foods contain antioxidants that can are particularly beneficial for our eyes. However, not everyone manages to eat as much fresh produce as they should to get these benefits. Often a busy lifestyle or other factors can affect the ability to eat a balanced diet. However, the wide range of vitamin supplements that are on the market today have made it easier for consumers to get their recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals, although those taking supplements should still try and eat as well as they can in order to maximize the benefits.
Some important supplements that have been identified in relation to eye health are vitamins A, C, and E. These are the antioxidant vitamins.
Vitamin A is well known for its’ role in night vision, but it is also important for preventing night blindness is pregnant women, and the health of our skin, hair and mucous membranes. It is found in animal products like liver, whole eggs, and milk.
Vitamin C helps reduce the risk of developing glaucoma, macular degeneration or cataracts. Bioflavanoids are available in combination with vitamin C in some supplements, and this is because they help the body absorb it. Vitamin E also helps reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Other supplements that contribute to eye health include beta carotene, lutein, zinc oxide, selenium, and cupric oxide. Lutein is not as well known as some other supplements, but it is central to eye health. It is found in the retina, eye lens, and macula. People who smoke should be careful they get enough lutein, as smoking can affect its’ levels.
Smokers should also be aware that some studies have found that some of those participating who took beta carotene supplements and smoked were at risk of several diseases. These were only small studies however, but care should still be taken.
Eye supplements are a convenient way to get these nutrients, and often contain herbal preparations like bilberry. However, you should remember that exceeding the recommended doses can lead to side effects, so be aware of the total amount of each nutrient you are taking from multivitamins and any other supplements. This is of particular importance with fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A, though if you are not taking high doses of any vitamins you should be alright.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
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