Author: RandyDandy
Facts show our type and level of intake of vegatables and fruits is considerably below your recommended degrees. Plant vegetables and fruit contain several nutrients around the body possess different health and wellbeing effects, although with regards to 78% connected with people believe the color of vegetables and fruit with his or her associated nutritional value, but in daily life, due to a variety of reasons, we challenging to consume enough vegatables and fruits colorful. Time that will reflect independent eating behaviors, away through the monotonous into the diet also to the health and wellbeing and vibrant.
Red, tangerine, green, white wine, Zihei color vegatables and fruits, has a health program code.
Red vegatables and fruits?? Energy resource
Along, red represents your vitality in addition to energy. Red vegatables and fruits contain carotenoids, one’s body defense procedure can enhance the vitality connected with cells, as a result, eat red vegetables, will greatly boost the natural defenses. With tomato, by way of example, it is not only anti-cancer leader, but as well serves that will bring the cause of infinite vitality. University connected with Kentucky, Medical professional. David Snowden, against 88 inside a study connected with elderly nuns were discovered excessive levels connected with blood lycopene nuns, self-care ability as opposed to low-sister that will 3. HALF A DOZEN times better.
Green vegatables and fruits?? Eye grasp
Green is a color connected with life, most people only realize and view more environment friendly plants can certainly soothe your eyes, but I are not aware of will eat to the body connected with green foods, more comfort and ease and maintenance aging bum and clams? Soil Tu Po Pond? Chang said Q challenging qu qu chessboard? pox pox flutter flutter proper foot R Jue in addition to restore chi? education? Antioxidants Prevent cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa in addition to macular degeneration along with other eye ailments. The best sources connected with lutein are generally green veggies.
White vegatables and fruits?? Meditation panacea
White people feel comfortable and quiet. White vegatables and fruits can assistance people maintain an optimistic attitude that will regulating feeling “panacea. ” In addition, the white vegatables and fruits have a new whitening impact, because pigment cells from the body connected with food precipitation, a great number of food Yiyiren, fresh yam, white wine radish, lotus origin, white melon along with other vegatables and fruits, can make your skin layer smooth in addition to white.
Purple vegatables and fruits?? Decompression Ichiban
U . s citizens Joseph Adam, MD, pointed out how the effect connected with decompression purple vegatables and fruits are other colors connected with vegetables unmatched. Purple vegatables and fruits make your nerves that will rest, nevertheless the key to the next they can certainly regulate nerve in addition to increased adrenal secretion. Scientists test out the air radical assimilation capacity has been also found that crimson up the foodstuff to get rid of free radicals.
Showing posts with label Macular degeneration association. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Macular degeneration association. Show all posts
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Macular Degeneration and Blackberries
by;Cheryl Myers
Overview
The nutrients contained in a cup of blackberries provide a significant source of vitamins known to improve eye health. The National Eye Institute recommends certain nutrients for macular degeneration, some of which you can get through food sources. This is why the institute developed a vitamin supplement called the age-related eye disease study formula, or the AREDS formula. Some of the nutrients in the formula also are provided by blackberries, but eating blackberries alone will not provide all the nutrients you need for macular degeneration.
AREDS Formulation
The formula designed by the National Eye Institute contains significant amounts of antioxidants to prevent the further degeneration of the eye cells. The formula contains 15 mg of beta-carotene, which is the equivalent to 25,000 international units of vitamin A. The supplement also contains 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IUs of vitamin E, 80 mg of zinc and 2 mg of copper.
Macular Degeneration Groundbreaking New Research On The Leading Cause Of Adult Blindness. www.JohnsHopkinsHealthAlerts.com
Sponsored Links
Nutrients in Blackberries
Blackberries contain some of the nutrients provided in the vitamin formula developed for macular degeneration. One cup of blackberries contains 308 IU of vitamin A, 30.2 mg of vitamin C, 1.12 mg of vitamin E, and trace amounts of zinc and copper: 0.76 mg and 0.238 mg, respectively.
Comparing Vitamins
The dietary reference intake, or DRI, is lower than the amount of vitamins in the AREDS formula recommended for macular degeneration. According to the Linus Institute, the daily DRI for vitamin A is 700 to 900 mg, vitamin C 75 to 90 mg, 22 IU of vitamin E, 8 to 11 mg of zinc and 900 micrograms of copper. The lower amounts are recommended for adult females and the upper amounts for adult males. Blackberries contain high sources of vitamins A, C and E, but the National Eye Institute recommends vitamin supplements because you cannot get all of the nutrients you need for macular degeneration from natural foods or a daily multivitamin. As an example, a female would need to eat more than 35 cups of blackberries to get the amount of vitamin A provided in the AREDS formula.
Considerations
While blackberries do contain sources of nutrients that improve eye health, some nutrients work better when taken with other vitamins. In addition, you might require additional vitamins and minerals when you take certain vitamin supplements. A study published in "Archives of Ophthalmology" in 2001 suggests that zinc works better when taken with antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. The AREDS formula also contains copper to prevent copper deficiency, which can occur when taking zinc supplements.
Overview
The nutrients contained in a cup of blackberries provide a significant source of vitamins known to improve eye health. The National Eye Institute recommends certain nutrients for macular degeneration, some of which you can get through food sources. This is why the institute developed a vitamin supplement called the age-related eye disease study formula, or the AREDS formula. Some of the nutrients in the formula also are provided by blackberries, but eating blackberries alone will not provide all the nutrients you need for macular degeneration.
AREDS Formulation
The formula designed by the National Eye Institute contains significant amounts of antioxidants to prevent the further degeneration of the eye cells. The formula contains 15 mg of beta-carotene, which is the equivalent to 25,000 international units of vitamin A. The supplement also contains 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IUs of vitamin E, 80 mg of zinc and 2 mg of copper.
Macular Degeneration Groundbreaking New Research On The Leading Cause Of Adult Blindness. www.JohnsHopkinsHealthAlerts.com
Sponsored Links
Nutrients in Blackberries
Blackberries contain some of the nutrients provided in the vitamin formula developed for macular degeneration. One cup of blackberries contains 308 IU of vitamin A, 30.2 mg of vitamin C, 1.12 mg of vitamin E, and trace amounts of zinc and copper: 0.76 mg and 0.238 mg, respectively.
Comparing Vitamins
The dietary reference intake, or DRI, is lower than the amount of vitamins in the AREDS formula recommended for macular degeneration. According to the Linus Institute, the daily DRI for vitamin A is 700 to 900 mg, vitamin C 75 to 90 mg, 22 IU of vitamin E, 8 to 11 mg of zinc and 900 micrograms of copper. The lower amounts are recommended for adult females and the upper amounts for adult males. Blackberries contain high sources of vitamins A, C and E, but the National Eye Institute recommends vitamin supplements because you cannot get all of the nutrients you need for macular degeneration from natural foods or a daily multivitamin. As an example, a female would need to eat more than 35 cups of blackberries to get the amount of vitamin A provided in the AREDS formula.
Considerations
While blackberries do contain sources of nutrients that improve eye health, some nutrients work better when taken with other vitamins. In addition, you might require additional vitamins and minerals when you take certain vitamin supplements. A study published in "Archives of Ophthalmology" in 2001 suggests that zinc works better when taken with antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. The AREDS formula also contains copper to prevent copper deficiency, which can occur when taking zinc supplements.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The Benefits of Green Leafy Vegetables – Essential Details You Ought to be Aware of
by:orworthwww
Eat your greens. This wasn’t because mom wanted to punish us for being naughty. Her constant reminder at the dinner table didn’t have anything to do with us being naughty or nice — she merely wanted to keep us healthy and disease free!
What’s the big deal with the green leafy vegetables, anyway? Really, why are they good for us? A lot, actually. The health benefits of your spinach, cabbage and turnip greens are far more than what you give them credit for. Those leafy greens are nutritional powerhouses that give you fiber, vitamins and minerals to keep you sharp, alert, active and healthy.
Their health benefits are outlined below:
1. Because they are very low in calories, leafy vegetables are ideal foods for weight management. Green smoothies with kale or arugula, for example, may be used to replace a meal or as snacks since they keep one fuller for longer.
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This can be attributed to the high water content in leafy greens.
2. They reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease because they are low in fat, high in dietary fiber, and rich in folic acid, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium. They also contain phytochemicals like lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene that fight free radicals and cancer. By consuming green leafies regularly, you also lower your risk of developing cardiovascular
and gastrointestinal diseases. More importantly, these vegetables keep your immune system primed and functioning to ward off any disease that may attempt to weaken your body.
3. Increasing your leafy green intake to 1 serving per day lowers your risk of getting type 2 diabetes. This is because leafy greens are high in magnesium and have low glycemic values which do not cause spikes in your blood sugar levels.
4.
Green leafy veggies promote bone health. This is because they have high levels of vitamin K that help in the production of the protein osteocalcin in the body.
5. Your iron and calcium requirement can be taken from green vegetables. Like carrots, beta-carotene can also be found in green leafy veggies.
6. Green leafy vegetables protect our eyes. They have lutein and zeaxanthin that protects the eye from cataracts and age-related macular degeneration that sometimes results in blindness among the older population. These same carotenoids also reduce the risk of certain types of cancers and other cardiovascular ailments.
7. The carotenoids and flavonoids in leafy greens are powerful antioxidants that have cancer-fighting properties. Cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli are rich in these antioxidants that have been proven to lower one’s risk of breast, stomach and colon cancers. Quercetin is another antioxidant in leafy greens that exhibits inflammatory and anticancer properties. It prevents allergies as well.
So make green leafy vegetables a part of you and your family’s diet. They are chock full of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that simply cannot be copied by any other food source. You’d be doing the people you love a favor if you force them to eat their greens the way our mothers did when we were still kids. With the advent of technology, however, it is now possible for us to actually enjoy our greens. Simply combine your kale with fruits and blend them in a smoothie maker to make healthful green smoothies that your family will surely enjoy.
Eat your greens. This wasn’t because mom wanted to punish us for being naughty. Her constant reminder at the dinner table didn’t have anything to do with us being naughty or nice — she merely wanted to keep us healthy and disease free!
What’s the big deal with the green leafy vegetables, anyway? Really, why are they good for us? A lot, actually. The health benefits of your spinach, cabbage and turnip greens are far more than what you give them credit for. Those leafy greens are nutritional powerhouses that give you fiber, vitamins and minerals to keep you sharp, alert, active and healthy.
Their health benefits are outlined below:
1. Because they are very low in calories, leafy vegetables are ideal foods for weight management. Green smoothies with kale or arugula, for example, may be used to replace a meal or as snacks since they keep one fuller for longer.
Related Coverage
* Blue Green Algae Health Benefits - Important Details You Need To Be Aware Of
Have you heard about the latest trend of taking blue green algae for health benefits? If you have not, it is the latest natural trend in keeping healthy...
* Swiss Ball Exercises for Newbies – Key Details You Ought to be Aware of
Tired of the usual brisk walking, jogging and crunches that you do almost everyday? Then perhaps it’s time for you to play ball
* Health Benefits of Green Smoothies – Major Things You Need to Be Aware Of
What’s the best way to meet your daily vegetable requirement? It seems an impossible question to answer, especially when you absolutely cannot stand the taste of vegetables
* Benefits Of Resistance Bands - Important Facts You Ought To Be Aware Of
Resistance bands are underrated in the elite fitness society. Perhaps it's because they cost less than 12 dollars. Or perhaps because they come in a variety...
This can be attributed to the high water content in leafy greens.
2. They reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease because they are low in fat, high in dietary fiber, and rich in folic acid, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium. They also contain phytochemicals like lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene that fight free radicals and cancer. By consuming green leafies regularly, you also lower your risk of developing cardiovascular
and gastrointestinal diseases. More importantly, these vegetables keep your immune system primed and functioning to ward off any disease that may attempt to weaken your body.
3. Increasing your leafy green intake to 1 serving per day lowers your risk of getting type 2 diabetes. This is because leafy greens are high in magnesium and have low glycemic values which do not cause spikes in your blood sugar levels.
4.
Green leafy veggies promote bone health. This is because they have high levels of vitamin K that help in the production of the protein osteocalcin in the body.
5. Your iron and calcium requirement can be taken from green vegetables. Like carrots, beta-carotene can also be found in green leafy veggies.
6. Green leafy vegetables protect our eyes. They have lutein and zeaxanthin that protects the eye from cataracts and age-related macular degeneration that sometimes results in blindness among the older population. These same carotenoids also reduce the risk of certain types of cancers and other cardiovascular ailments.
7. The carotenoids and flavonoids in leafy greens are powerful antioxidants that have cancer-fighting properties. Cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli are rich in these antioxidants that have been proven to lower one’s risk of breast, stomach and colon cancers. Quercetin is another antioxidant in leafy greens that exhibits inflammatory and anticancer properties. It prevents allergies as well.
So make green leafy vegetables a part of you and your family’s diet. They are chock full of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that simply cannot be copied by any other food source. You’d be doing the people you love a favor if you force them to eat their greens the way our mothers did when we were still kids. With the advent of technology, however, it is now possible for us to actually enjoy our greens. Simply combine your kale with fruits and blend them in a smoothie maker to make healthful green smoothies that your family will surely enjoy.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Do Diabetic Diets and Macular Degeneration Disease Conflict?
by: Livingstrong
Multiple health conditions may cause difficulties with dietary choices, since you must avoid certain foods or nutrients with certain conditions or medications. For diabetics, diet plays an important role in blood sugar control. Macular degeneration is a condition that relies on diet for prevention and slowing the progression of the disease. If you have both diabetes and macular degeneration, you should know the nutritional needs of each condition to ensure that you meet all of your dietary requirements.
Diabetes
A healthy diet is important for controlling your blood sugar levels. You should eat lean proteins, such as skinless chicken breasts and fish, as well as healthy fats, such as olive oil. Choose whole-grain breads, cereals and pasta, and eat brown rice instead of white rice. If you use dairy products, eat low fat options and choose skim milk over whole milk. One of the most important dietary choices for diabetics is eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. A diet that consists of a wide variety of health, whole foods will provide you with the nutrients you need, and may also help stabilize your blood sugar.
Macular degeneration is a condition caused by the break down of cells in the macula, an area of tissue located on the retina that lines the back of your eye. The damage to these cells can lead to the loss of your straight-ahead vision. Treatment options do not typically improve vision, and this means that prevention plays the most important role in macular degeneration. The National Eye Institute has determined that nutrients such as zinc, vitamin E, vitamin C and beta carotene may help reduce the risk of this devastating condition by 25 percent.
No Conflict
The diets needed for diabetes control and macular degeneration prevention do not conflict. In fact, preventing macular degeneration relies heavily on the nutrition you will find in the healthy fruits and vegetables that make up part of a healthy diabetic diet. For example, a salad made with a variety of vegetables and dark, leafy greens will provide nutrients for macular degeneration prevention. This also makes a healthy diabetic meal, particularly if you add grilled chicken breast or salmon. If you select salmon, this will also provide omega-3 fatty acids, another nutrient that may help prevent macular degeneration.
Considerations
Before making dietary changes, talk with your doctor about your nutritional needs. If you take certain medications, such as blood thinners, you may need to avoid large amounts of certain nutrients. Your doctor will help you determine a nutrition plan specific to your needs.
Multiple health conditions may cause difficulties with dietary choices, since you must avoid certain foods or nutrients with certain conditions or medications. For diabetics, diet plays an important role in blood sugar control. Macular degeneration is a condition that relies on diet for prevention and slowing the progression of the disease. If you have both diabetes and macular degeneration, you should know the nutritional needs of each condition to ensure that you meet all of your dietary requirements.
Diabetes
A healthy diet is important for controlling your blood sugar levels. You should eat lean proteins, such as skinless chicken breasts and fish, as well as healthy fats, such as olive oil. Choose whole-grain breads, cereals and pasta, and eat brown rice instead of white rice. If you use dairy products, eat low fat options and choose skim milk over whole milk. One of the most important dietary choices for diabetics is eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. A diet that consists of a wide variety of health, whole foods will provide you with the nutrients you need, and may also help stabilize your blood sugar.
Macular degeneration is a condition caused by the break down of cells in the macula, an area of tissue located on the retina that lines the back of your eye. The damage to these cells can lead to the loss of your straight-ahead vision. Treatment options do not typically improve vision, and this means that prevention plays the most important role in macular degeneration. The National Eye Institute has determined that nutrients such as zinc, vitamin E, vitamin C and beta carotene may help reduce the risk of this devastating condition by 25 percent.
No Conflict
The diets needed for diabetes control and macular degeneration prevention do not conflict. In fact, preventing macular degeneration relies heavily on the nutrition you will find in the healthy fruits and vegetables that make up part of a healthy diabetic diet. For example, a salad made with a variety of vegetables and dark, leafy greens will provide nutrients for macular degeneration prevention. This also makes a healthy diabetic meal, particularly if you add grilled chicken breast or salmon. If you select salmon, this will also provide omega-3 fatty acids, another nutrient that may help prevent macular degeneration.
Considerations
Before making dietary changes, talk with your doctor about your nutritional needs. If you take certain medications, such as blood thinners, you may need to avoid large amounts of certain nutrients. Your doctor will help you determine a nutrition plan specific to your needs.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Nutrients From Eggs
by admin
Won O. Song, PhD, MPH, RD, and Jean M. Kerver, MS, RD
Food and Nutrition Database Research Center, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan E-mail: song@pilot.msu.edu
Objectives: The main purposes of this study were (1) to assess the nutritional significance of eggs in the American diet and (2) to estimate the degree of association between egg consumption and serum cholesterol concentration.
Methods: Data from the most recent National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988-94) were utilized to compare the nutritional quality indicators of diets that contained eggs (USDA food grouping system) with those that did not. Nutrient intake (from 24-hour dietary recall), egg intake (from food frequency questionnaire), sociodemographic data and blood cholesterol levels of subjects who met inclusion criteria (n=27,378) were grouped according to the occurrence and frequency of egg consumption and were analyzed using SUDAAN.
Results: Daily nutrient intake of egg consumers (EC) was significantly greater than that of non consumers (NC) for all nutrients studied (except dietary fiber and vitamin B6). Eggs contributed < 10% of daily intake of energy and vitamin B6, 10% to 20% of folate and total, saturated and polyunsaturated fat, and 20% to 30% of vitamins A, E and B12 in EC. Compared to EC, NC had higher rates of inadequate intake (defined by Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) or < 70% Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)) for vitamin B12 (10% vs. 21%), vitamin A (16% vs. 21%), vitamin E (14% vs. 22%) and vitamin C (15% vs. 20%). After adjusting for demographic (age, gender and ethnicity) and lifestyle (smoking and physical activity) variables, dietary cholesterol was not related to serum cholesterol concentration. People who reported eating 4 eggs/wk had a significantly lower mean serum cholesterol concentration than those who reported eating 1egg/wk (193 mg/dL vs. 197 mg/dL, p < 0.01). More frequent egg consumption was negatively associated with serum cholesterol concentration (beta = -6.45, p < 0.01).
Conclusions: In this cross-sectional and population-based study, egg consumption made important nutritional contributions to the American diet and was not associated with high serum cholesterol concentrations.
Won O. Song, PhD, MPH, RD, and Jean M. Kerver, MS, RD
Food and Nutrition Database Research Center, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan E-mail: song@pilot.msu.edu
Objectives: The main purposes of this study were (1) to assess the nutritional significance of eggs in the American diet and (2) to estimate the degree of association between egg consumption and serum cholesterol concentration.
Methods: Data from the most recent National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988-94) were utilized to compare the nutritional quality indicators of diets that contained eggs (USDA food grouping system) with those that did not. Nutrient intake (from 24-hour dietary recall), egg intake (from food frequency questionnaire), sociodemographic data and blood cholesterol levels of subjects who met inclusion criteria (n=27,378) were grouped according to the occurrence and frequency of egg consumption and were analyzed using SUDAAN.
Results: Daily nutrient intake of egg consumers (EC) was significantly greater than that of non consumers (NC) for all nutrients studied (except dietary fiber and vitamin B6). Eggs contributed < 10% of daily intake of energy and vitamin B6, 10% to 20% of folate and total, saturated and polyunsaturated fat, and 20% to 30% of vitamins A, E and B12 in EC. Compared to EC, NC had higher rates of inadequate intake (defined by Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) or < 70% Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)) for vitamin B12 (10% vs. 21%), vitamin A (16% vs. 21%), vitamin E (14% vs. 22%) and vitamin C (15% vs. 20%). After adjusting for demographic (age, gender and ethnicity) and lifestyle (smoking and physical activity) variables, dietary cholesterol was not related to serum cholesterol concentration. People who reported eating 4 eggs/wk had a significantly lower mean serum cholesterol concentration than those who reported eating 1egg/wk (193 mg/dL vs. 197 mg/dL, p < 0.01). More frequent egg consumption was negatively associated with serum cholesterol concentration (beta = -6.45, p < 0.01).
Conclusions: In this cross-sectional and population-based study, egg consumption made important nutritional contributions to the American diet and was not associated with high serum cholesterol concentrations.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Why You Need Vitamin D
By: Administration
Professionals who understand nutrition have proclaimed that Vitamin D deficiency is epidemic! But what is Vitamin D? It is a group of fat soluable vitamins. The two major forms of Vitamin D are D-2 (also known as ergocalciferol if you are into biology) and D-3 (cholecalciferol). D-2 is synthesized by plants. D-3 is synthesized by humans in the skin when exposed to ultraviolet-b rays of sunlight.
Vitamin D is essential for your body! For more than a century, scientists believed it played a vital role in bone health. It functions to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. It promotes calcium absorption in the gut. This is important because it enables healthy mineralization of bones and healthy bone growth. Humans cannot digest calcium without Vitamin D-3.
Does Vitamin D make you smarter? Some researchers say “yes!” 1.
But Vitamin D does so much more! It also assists your immune system. It does this through cellar differentiation which leads to decreased proliferation. Stay with me here, this is really pretty simple. Proliferation in general is good as it helps wounds heal. But uncontrolled proliferation of cells may lead to cancer. Vitamin D inhibits the bad proliferation and stimulates differentiation.
Classical Vitamin D deficiencies include adults who complain of dull and achy musculoskeletal pain. Such pain is usually unresponsive to both pharmaceutical and manual treatments. Also among children deprived of Vitamin D is the classical case of rickets.
But did you know Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to the following conditions?
High blood pressure
Fibromyalgia
Diabetes
Multiple sclerosis
Rheumatoid arthritis
An increased risk of pre-eclampsia and insulin resistance during pregnancy
Increased risk of early age-related macular degeneration. 2-5
Researchers who have no financial interest in supplements are pleading with people to get more Vitamin D. 6. So how do you get Vitamin D? Getting 10-20 minutes of sunlight helps. I heard one professional suggest (tongue-in-cheek) that people get their D by sunning nude for 15-20 minutes. No thanks J. Experts argue that sunlight does not give you enough D and many people are concerned about skin cancer. Besides, as we age, we are less equipped to produce sufficient quantities of D. If you think tanning beds are the answer, sorry. Tanning beds do not provide D-3.
Most foods do not have adequate D. Consequently it is supplemented with D. Unfortunately manufacturers keep their costs down by using the less expensive form, synthetic D-2. This will never work because our bodies will never absorb the synthetic as well as a natural vitamin and we need D-3. If you want to eat your D try cold water fish. Wild salmon, mackerel, and sardines are good. Egg yolks are also a source. Unfortunately I also hear nutritionists say to avoid the fish because of heavy metals and avoid egg yolks because of the fat.
Personally I recommend GBG’s 10-In-One Liquid Multi Formula. It has an excellent source of D-3. Your body will absorb it better than any synthetic vitamin made in a laboratory and it is a complete phytonutreint/antioxidant blend that tastes good.
This article is not meant to treat or diagnose any illnesses or medical conditions.
Resources
1. Przybelski RJ, Binkley NC. Is Vitamin D Important For Preserving Cognition? A Positive Correlation Of Serum 25-Hyroxy Vitamin D Concentration With Cognitive Function. Arch bioChem Biophys. 2007 Apr 15; 460(2): 202-5.
2. Vieth R, Bischoff-Ferrari H, Beucher BJ, Dawson-Hughes B, Gruland CF, Heany RP, Holick MF. The Urgent Need To Recommend An Intake Of Vitamin D That Is Effective. American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, March 2007; 85(3): 649-650
3. Badnar Lm, Captov JM, Simhan HN, Holick MF, Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency Increases Risk Of Preeclamsia, J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007 May 29.
4. Maghbooli Z, Hossein-Nezhad A, Karini F, Shafaei AR, Larijani B. Correlation Between Vitamin D(3) Deficiency And Insulin resistance In Pregnancy. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2007 Jul 2.
5. Parekh n, Chappell Rj, Millen AE, Albert DM, Mares JA. Association Between Vitamin D and Age Related Macular Degeneration In The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 Through 1994. Arch Ophthalmol. May 2007; 125:661-669
6. Lappe J, tavers-Gustafson D, Davies K, Recker R, Heany R. Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation Reduces Cancer Risk: Results Of A Randomized Trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. June 8: 85(6): 1586-1591.
7. Holick MF, Vitamin D: Importance In Prevention Of Cancers, Type 1 Diabetes, Heart Disease, And Osteoporsis. AM J Clin Nutr. 2004: 79(3): 362-371.
Professionals who understand nutrition have proclaimed that Vitamin D deficiency is epidemic! But what is Vitamin D? It is a group of fat soluable vitamins. The two major forms of Vitamin D are D-2 (also known as ergocalciferol if you are into biology) and D-3 (cholecalciferol). D-2 is synthesized by plants. D-3 is synthesized by humans in the skin when exposed to ultraviolet-b rays of sunlight.
Vitamin D is essential for your body! For more than a century, scientists believed it played a vital role in bone health. It functions to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. It promotes calcium absorption in the gut. This is important because it enables healthy mineralization of bones and healthy bone growth. Humans cannot digest calcium without Vitamin D-3.
Does Vitamin D make you smarter? Some researchers say “yes!” 1.
But Vitamin D does so much more! It also assists your immune system. It does this through cellar differentiation which leads to decreased proliferation. Stay with me here, this is really pretty simple. Proliferation in general is good as it helps wounds heal. But uncontrolled proliferation of cells may lead to cancer. Vitamin D inhibits the bad proliferation and stimulates differentiation.
Classical Vitamin D deficiencies include adults who complain of dull and achy musculoskeletal pain. Such pain is usually unresponsive to both pharmaceutical and manual treatments. Also among children deprived of Vitamin D is the classical case of rickets.
But did you know Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to the following conditions?
High blood pressure
Fibromyalgia
Diabetes
Multiple sclerosis
Rheumatoid arthritis
An increased risk of pre-eclampsia and insulin resistance during pregnancy
Increased risk of early age-related macular degeneration. 2-5
Researchers who have no financial interest in supplements are pleading with people to get more Vitamin D. 6. So how do you get Vitamin D? Getting 10-20 minutes of sunlight helps. I heard one professional suggest (tongue-in-cheek) that people get their D by sunning nude for 15-20 minutes. No thanks J. Experts argue that sunlight does not give you enough D and many people are concerned about skin cancer. Besides, as we age, we are less equipped to produce sufficient quantities of D. If you think tanning beds are the answer, sorry. Tanning beds do not provide D-3.
Most foods do not have adequate D. Consequently it is supplemented with D. Unfortunately manufacturers keep their costs down by using the less expensive form, synthetic D-2. This will never work because our bodies will never absorb the synthetic as well as a natural vitamin and we need D-3. If you want to eat your D try cold water fish. Wild salmon, mackerel, and sardines are good. Egg yolks are also a source. Unfortunately I also hear nutritionists say to avoid the fish because of heavy metals and avoid egg yolks because of the fat.
Personally I recommend GBG’s 10-In-One Liquid Multi Formula. It has an excellent source of D-3. Your body will absorb it better than any synthetic vitamin made in a laboratory and it is a complete phytonutreint/antioxidant blend that tastes good.
This article is not meant to treat or diagnose any illnesses or medical conditions.
Resources
1. Przybelski RJ, Binkley NC. Is Vitamin D Important For Preserving Cognition? A Positive Correlation Of Serum 25-Hyroxy Vitamin D Concentration With Cognitive Function. Arch bioChem Biophys. 2007 Apr 15; 460(2): 202-5.
2. Vieth R, Bischoff-Ferrari H, Beucher BJ, Dawson-Hughes B, Gruland CF, Heany RP, Holick MF. The Urgent Need To Recommend An Intake Of Vitamin D That Is Effective. American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, March 2007; 85(3): 649-650
3. Badnar Lm, Captov JM, Simhan HN, Holick MF, Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency Increases Risk Of Preeclamsia, J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007 May 29.
4. Maghbooli Z, Hossein-Nezhad A, Karini F, Shafaei AR, Larijani B. Correlation Between Vitamin D(3) Deficiency And Insulin resistance In Pregnancy. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2007 Jul 2.
5. Parekh n, Chappell Rj, Millen AE, Albert DM, Mares JA. Association Between Vitamin D and Age Related Macular Degeneration In The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 Through 1994. Arch Ophthalmol. May 2007; 125:661-669
6. Lappe J, tavers-Gustafson D, Davies K, Recker R, Heany R. Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation Reduces Cancer Risk: Results Of A Randomized Trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. June 8: 85(6): 1586-1591.
7. Holick MF, Vitamin D: Importance In Prevention Of Cancers, Type 1 Diabetes, Heart Disease, And Osteoporsis. AM J Clin Nutr. 2004: 79(3): 362-371.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Vision Nutrients cross references to specific diseases
by:Natural Eye Care
Here is an outline of vision nutrients with cross references to specific diseases and recommended products.
Amino Acids
Cysteine – is important for a healthy retina. Taken as N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), it increases production of gluatathione, one of the most important antioxidants in the eye.
* Food Sources: Eggs.
* Other sources: Supplements
* Recommended Dose: 500-1000 mg in the form of N-acetyl cysteine daily.
* Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration , Glaucoma, Cataracts
* Recommended Products: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, Pure Focus
Taurine – normally found in high concentrations in the retina, it is important to for the maintenance of vision and the regeneration of worn out tissues of the visual system.
* Food Sources: Eggs, fish.
* Other sources: Supplements
* Recommended Dose: 500 daily.
* Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration , Glaucoma
* Recommended Product(s): Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, Liquid Taurine
Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are neither vitamins or minerals, but plant pigments that protect the eyes from sunlight damage, and are powerful antioxidants that my enhance blood flow to the retina while fighting free radical damage.
Quercitin, Rutin - quercitin has properties similar to melanin, and protects the eye from damage by solar radiation and works synergistically with taurine and vitamin E. Rutin has been shown to reduce leakage from small blood vessels in the retina. It is valuable in fighting free radicals.
* Food Sources: Cherries, white grapefruit, apples, pears, grapes, cranberries, red onions, green cabbage, spinach, kale, onions, garlic.
* Other sources: Supplements
* Recommended Dose: 1000 mg of quercetin daily, 300 mg rutin daily.
* Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration , Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy , Cataracts
* Recommended Products: Optic Nerve Formula , Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula
Carotenoids
Carotenoids are organic pigments that are naturally occurring in plants and some other photosynthetic organisms like algae, some types of fungus and some bacteria. There are over 600 known carotenoids; they are split into two classes, xanthophylls and carotenes. They are potent antioxidants and play a protective role in preventing many eye conditions.
Bilberry – is the European version of the blueberry, and has been called the vision herb for its powerful effect on all types visual disorders.
* Food Sources: Huckleberry
* Recommended Dose: 240-300 mg daily.
* Eye Conditions: Poor Night Vision, Glaucoma, Myopia , Macular Degeneration , Diabetic Retinopathy , Cataracts , Computer Eye Syndrome
* Recommended Products: Pure Focus, Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula
Lutein – is the yellow pigment found in the macula. It protects against macular degeneration, and protects the rods and cones from free radical damage from UV light.
* Food Sources: corn, spinach, kale, collard and mustard greens, lettuce and other salad greens, broccoli, brussel sprouts, corn and eggs.
* Recommended Dose: 6-20 mg daily
* Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration , Cataracts
* Recommended Products: Pure Focus, Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula
Zeaxanthin – is found in high amounts in the macula. It protects against macular degeneration, and protects the rods and cones from free radical damage from UV light.
* Food Sources: corn, spinach, kale, collard and mustard greens, lettuce and other salad greens, broccoli, oranges, tangerines and peas.
* Recommended Dose: 3 mg daily for prevention, and up to 20 mg per day therapeutically.
* Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration and other macula disorders
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s)
Omega 3 Fatty Acids - fats are essential for nerve conduction in the retina and to reduce cholesterol.
* Food Sources: Cold water fish (including salmon, tuna, mackerel, halibut), flax seed oil, black current oil, walnuts and walnut oils, dark leafy vegetables, eggs (from free range chickens preferred), spices (including mustard, fennel, cumin and Fenugreek).
* Recommended Dose: 1500 mg daily
* Eye Conditions: Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration
* Recommended Products: Carlson's Fish Oil, BioTears
* Notes: Any time oils are increased in the diet, for example by eating nuts or using lots of cooking oils, be sure to increase intake of vitamins A, B3, B6, C, E and minerals zinc, selenium, and manganese for proper absorption.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids – are important to protect cells from degenerative changes and to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
* Food Sources: Human mother’s milk, evening primrose, borage and black currant oils.
* Recommended Dose: 1500 mg daily
* Eye Conditions: Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration
* Recommended Products: Carlson's Fish Oil, BioTears
Minerals
Chromium – helps regulate blood sugar, circulation and fat metabolism, and helps prevent nearsightedness, a risk factor for vitreous degeneration and floaters.
* Food Sources: Brewer’s yeast, eggs, potato skins.
* Other Sources: Supplements
* Recommended Dose: 200 mcg daily.
* Eye Conditions: Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration , Diabetic Retinopathy
* Recommended Product: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula
* Note: Chromium reduces the blood sugar levels of diabetics, and may require the patient to adjust the insulin dose accordingly.
Magnesium – is a mineral that relaxes smooth muscles and helps prevent muscle spasms. Smooth muscles are what regulate the outflow of aqueous humor from the inner eye.
* Food Sources: Almonds, wheat germ, green leafy vegetables.
* Recommended Dose: 500 mg daily.
* Eye Conditions: Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Blepharospasm (twitching of the eyelids), Keratoconus
* Other Conditions: Also good for migraines
* Recommended Products: Optic Nerve Formula , Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, BioTears
* Note: If you are taking antibiotics, do not take magnesium because it interferes with the antibiotics effectiveness.
Selenium – makes sure that glutathione is doing its job. It does this so well that patients with macular degeneration have reported improved vision after taking selenium and vitamin E.
* Food Sources: Garlic, onions, broccoli, cabbage, brown rice, eggs, shrimp, sunflower seeds, tuna, chicken, brazil nuts, wheat.
* Other Sources: Supplements
* Recommended Dose: 200 mcg daily.
* Eye Conditions: Cataracts, Macular Degeneration , Diabetic Retinopathy
* Recommended Products: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, Optic Nerve Formula
Zinc – has been shown to stabilize and even improve vision in people with macular degeneration.
* Food Sources: Barley, wheat, chicken, crab, oysters, lamb, beef, turkey.
* Other Sources: Supplements
* Recommended Dose: 30 mg daily.
* Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration , Glaucoma, Cataracts, , Poor Night Vision, Floaters
* Recommended Product: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula
* Note: Zinc deficiencies can result from the following:
1. excessive sweating,
2. high fiber diets can bind zinc and prevent its absorption,
3. phosphates in soda interfere with zinc,
4. coffee drinking can produce zinc deficiency.
* Zinc supplement should not be taken with copper, iron, calcium or fiber (which bind the zinc and make it unusable). Copper is inhibited by zinc, so if zinc supplements are used, 2 mg of copper should be taken daily.
Other Nutrients
Alpha Lipoic Acid plays a crucial role in the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells, and it helps deactivate an unusually wide array of cell-damaging free radicals. This is an essential nutrient for the eyes. A recent research study suggested that the alpha-R form is the most bioavailable.
* Food Sources: Good food sources of alpha lipoic acid include spinach, broccoli, beef, yeast (particularly Brewer's yeast), and certain organ meats (such as the kidney and heart).
* Other Sources: Supplements
* Recommended Dose: 300 mg per day or 150 mg per day of Alpha-R Lipoic Acid, or more as prescribed by your health care professional.
* Recommended Product: Alpha Lipoic Acid
* Eye Conditions: Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration , Diabetic Retinopathy , Cataracts
Garlic – helps prevent blood clots from forming in the small blood vessels of the retina.
* Food Sources: Fresh garlic cloves
* Other Sources: Supplements
* Recommended Dose: 1000 mg of garlic powder, 20 mg of garlic oil, 3 cloves per day.
* Eye Conditions: Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration , Diabetic Retinopathy , Cataracts
* Recommended Product: Garlic Tablets
* Note: Garlic contains cysteine, methione, and glutathione. It reduces cholesterol, thins the blood without the side effects of aspirin, reduces blood pressure, and is used as a natural antibiotic.
Coenzyme Q10 (also called CoQ10) helps cells breakdown food into energy, and improves heart function and overall blood circulation.
* Food Sources: The best sources of CoQ10 are animal muscle tissues, but many people prefer not to eat this type of food. It is also found in vegetables, particularly spinach and broccoli, but it is easily destroyed in the cooking process.
* Other Sources: Supplements
* Recommended Dose: 30 mg per day, or more as prescribed by your health care professional.
* Eye Conditions: Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration , Diabetic Retinopathy , Cataracts
* Recommended Product: Coenzyme Q10
Vitamins
Vitamin A – we usually recommend taking vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A with a small amount of fat in the diet.
o Food Sources: Yellow and orange vegetables, including yams, carrots and sweet potatoes, asparagus, spinach, butternut squash, kale, bok choy, mangoes, cataloupe, apricots.
o Other Sources: Supplements
o Recommended Dose: Approximately 15,000 to 25,000 I.U. of beta-carotene daily.
o Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration , Glaucoma, Cataracts, Dry Eyes
o Recommended Products: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, BioTears, Vitamin A
o Note: If you have a low thyroid problem, diabetes or problems with fat absorption, beta-carotene may have difficulty converting to vitamin A.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – aids in the reception of light by the retina, and is necessary for glutathione production.
+ Food Sources: Brewer’s yeast, beans, wheat germ, whole grains, almonds.
+ Other Sources: Supplements
+ Recommended Dose: 10 mg daily.
+ Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration , Glaucoma, Cataracts, Dry Eyes
+ Recommended Product(s): Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin
+ Note: If deficient in vitamin B2, it may help with the following conditions: 1) soreness around the eyes, 2) eyes tiring easily, 3) sensitivity to light, 4) dry eyes, 5) cataracts, 6) conjuntivitus, 7) macular degeneration, 8) styes.
Folic Acid - also called folacin and folate, is a water soluble B-vitamin that helps build healthy cells. "Water soluble" means it does not stay in your body for very long, so you need to take it every day to help prevent neural tube defects. During periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy and fetal development, the body's requirement for this vitamin increases.
+ Food Sources: Green leafy vegetables, and broccoli.
+ Other Sources: Supplements
+ Recommended Dose: 400 mcg daily.
+ Eye Conditions: Cataracts
+ Recommended Product(s): Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, Folic Acid
+ Notes: Should be taken with vitamin B12 and Zinc.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – found to be deficient in almost all persons with macular degeneration. B6 aids in the proper absorption of magnesium, and has a diuretic effect which helps decrease eye pressure.
+ Food Sources: Avocados, bananas, brewer’s yeast, carrots, brown rice, wheat germ, sunflower seeds.
+ Other Sources: Supplements
+ Recommended Dose: 50 mg daily.
+ Eye Conditions: Dry Eyes
+ Recommended Products: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, BioTears
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) seems to improve or prevent the worsening of eyesight in glaucoma patients, apparently by preventing the degeneration of the fatty layer surrounding the nerve cells called the myelin sheath.
+ Food Sources: Eggs, sardines, clams, mackerel.
+ Other Sources: Supplements
+ Recommended Dose: up to 1,000 mcg per day (therapeutic dosage). RDA is 5 mcg per day.
+ Eye Conditions: Glaucoma, Optic Nerve Problems
+ Recommended Product: Vital Eyes Complete
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is the queen of antioxidants, helping neutralize free radicals, plus serves as a natural ultraviolet filter inside the eye. The eye has the second highest concentration of Vitamin C in the body next to the adrenal glands.
+ Food Sources: Broccoli, green cabbage, bell peppers, red peppers, kale, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, tangerines, kiwi fruit, oranges, lemons, papayas.
+ Other Sources: Supplements
+ Recommended Dose: 500-3000 mg daily.
+ Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Cataracts, Dry Eyes
+ Recommended Products: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, BioTears
+ Note: Large doses of vitamin C may cause diarrhea. If so, reduce the dosage.
Vitamin E is another antioxidant that helps reduce eye pressure. Choose the natural “d” form, not the synthetic “dl” form.
+ Food Sources: Wheat germ, brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, broccoli, mangoes, avocados.
+ Other Sources: Supplements
+ Recommended Dose: 400-500 I.U.’s daily.
+ Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration , Glaucoma, Cataracts
+ Recommended Products: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, Pure Focus
+ Notes: If you are taking blood thinning drugs, consult with your physician due to the fact that vitamin E thins the blood. Note that vitamin E also has been shown to reduce the need for insulin among diabetics.
Here is an outline of vision nutrients with cross references to specific diseases and recommended products.
Amino Acids
Cysteine – is important for a healthy retina. Taken as N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), it increases production of gluatathione, one of the most important antioxidants in the eye.
* Food Sources: Eggs.
* Other sources: Supplements
* Recommended Dose: 500-1000 mg in the form of N-acetyl cysteine daily.
* Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration , Glaucoma, Cataracts
* Recommended Products: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, Pure Focus
Taurine – normally found in high concentrations in the retina, it is important to for the maintenance of vision and the regeneration of worn out tissues of the visual system.
* Food Sources: Eggs, fish.
* Other sources: Supplements
* Recommended Dose: 500 daily.
* Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration , Glaucoma
* Recommended Product(s): Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, Liquid Taurine
Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are neither vitamins or minerals, but plant pigments that protect the eyes from sunlight damage, and are powerful antioxidants that my enhance blood flow to the retina while fighting free radical damage.
Quercitin, Rutin - quercitin has properties similar to melanin, and protects the eye from damage by solar radiation and works synergistically with taurine and vitamin E. Rutin has been shown to reduce leakage from small blood vessels in the retina. It is valuable in fighting free radicals.
* Food Sources: Cherries, white grapefruit, apples, pears, grapes, cranberries, red onions, green cabbage, spinach, kale, onions, garlic.
* Other sources: Supplements
* Recommended Dose: 1000 mg of quercetin daily, 300 mg rutin daily.
* Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration , Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy , Cataracts
* Recommended Products: Optic Nerve Formula , Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula
Carotenoids
Carotenoids are organic pigments that are naturally occurring in plants and some other photosynthetic organisms like algae, some types of fungus and some bacteria. There are over 600 known carotenoids; they are split into two classes, xanthophylls and carotenes. They are potent antioxidants and play a protective role in preventing many eye conditions.
Bilberry – is the European version of the blueberry, and has been called the vision herb for its powerful effect on all types visual disorders.
* Food Sources: Huckleberry
* Recommended Dose: 240-300 mg daily.
* Eye Conditions: Poor Night Vision, Glaucoma, Myopia , Macular Degeneration , Diabetic Retinopathy , Cataracts , Computer Eye Syndrome
* Recommended Products: Pure Focus, Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula
Lutein – is the yellow pigment found in the macula. It protects against macular degeneration, and protects the rods and cones from free radical damage from UV light.
* Food Sources: corn, spinach, kale, collard and mustard greens, lettuce and other salad greens, broccoli, brussel sprouts, corn and eggs.
* Recommended Dose: 6-20 mg daily
* Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration , Cataracts
* Recommended Products: Pure Focus, Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula
Zeaxanthin – is found in high amounts in the macula. It protects against macular degeneration, and protects the rods and cones from free radical damage from UV light.
* Food Sources: corn, spinach, kale, collard and mustard greens, lettuce and other salad greens, broccoli, oranges, tangerines and peas.
* Recommended Dose: 3 mg daily for prevention, and up to 20 mg per day therapeutically.
* Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration and other macula disorders
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s)
Omega 3 Fatty Acids - fats are essential for nerve conduction in the retina and to reduce cholesterol.
* Food Sources: Cold water fish (including salmon, tuna, mackerel, halibut), flax seed oil, black current oil, walnuts and walnut oils, dark leafy vegetables, eggs (from free range chickens preferred), spices (including mustard, fennel, cumin and Fenugreek).
* Recommended Dose: 1500 mg daily
* Eye Conditions: Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration
* Recommended Products: Carlson's Fish Oil, BioTears
* Notes: Any time oils are increased in the diet, for example by eating nuts or using lots of cooking oils, be sure to increase intake of vitamins A, B3, B6, C, E and minerals zinc, selenium, and manganese for proper absorption.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids – are important to protect cells from degenerative changes and to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
* Food Sources: Human mother’s milk, evening primrose, borage and black currant oils.
* Recommended Dose: 1500 mg daily
* Eye Conditions: Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration
* Recommended Products: Carlson's Fish Oil, BioTears
Minerals
Chromium – helps regulate blood sugar, circulation and fat metabolism, and helps prevent nearsightedness, a risk factor for vitreous degeneration and floaters.
* Food Sources: Brewer’s yeast, eggs, potato skins.
* Other Sources: Supplements
* Recommended Dose: 200 mcg daily.
* Eye Conditions: Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration , Diabetic Retinopathy
* Recommended Product: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula
* Note: Chromium reduces the blood sugar levels of diabetics, and may require the patient to adjust the insulin dose accordingly.
Magnesium – is a mineral that relaxes smooth muscles and helps prevent muscle spasms. Smooth muscles are what regulate the outflow of aqueous humor from the inner eye.
* Food Sources: Almonds, wheat germ, green leafy vegetables.
* Recommended Dose: 500 mg daily.
* Eye Conditions: Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Blepharospasm (twitching of the eyelids), Keratoconus
* Other Conditions: Also good for migraines
* Recommended Products: Optic Nerve Formula , Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, BioTears
* Note: If you are taking antibiotics, do not take magnesium because it interferes with the antibiotics effectiveness.
Selenium – makes sure that glutathione is doing its job. It does this so well that patients with macular degeneration have reported improved vision after taking selenium and vitamin E.
* Food Sources: Garlic, onions, broccoli, cabbage, brown rice, eggs, shrimp, sunflower seeds, tuna, chicken, brazil nuts, wheat.
* Other Sources: Supplements
* Recommended Dose: 200 mcg daily.
* Eye Conditions: Cataracts, Macular Degeneration , Diabetic Retinopathy
* Recommended Products: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, Optic Nerve Formula
Zinc – has been shown to stabilize and even improve vision in people with macular degeneration.
* Food Sources: Barley, wheat, chicken, crab, oysters, lamb, beef, turkey.
* Other Sources: Supplements
* Recommended Dose: 30 mg daily.
* Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration , Glaucoma, Cataracts, , Poor Night Vision, Floaters
* Recommended Product: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula
* Note: Zinc deficiencies can result from the following:
1. excessive sweating,
2. high fiber diets can bind zinc and prevent its absorption,
3. phosphates in soda interfere with zinc,
4. coffee drinking can produce zinc deficiency.
* Zinc supplement should not be taken with copper, iron, calcium or fiber (which bind the zinc and make it unusable). Copper is inhibited by zinc, so if zinc supplements are used, 2 mg of copper should be taken daily.
Other Nutrients
Alpha Lipoic Acid plays a crucial role in the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells, and it helps deactivate an unusually wide array of cell-damaging free radicals. This is an essential nutrient for the eyes. A recent research study suggested that the alpha-R form is the most bioavailable.
* Food Sources: Good food sources of alpha lipoic acid include spinach, broccoli, beef, yeast (particularly Brewer's yeast), and certain organ meats (such as the kidney and heart).
* Other Sources: Supplements
* Recommended Dose: 300 mg per day or 150 mg per day of Alpha-R Lipoic Acid, or more as prescribed by your health care professional.
* Recommended Product: Alpha Lipoic Acid
* Eye Conditions: Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration , Diabetic Retinopathy , Cataracts
Garlic – helps prevent blood clots from forming in the small blood vessels of the retina.
* Food Sources: Fresh garlic cloves
* Other Sources: Supplements
* Recommended Dose: 1000 mg of garlic powder, 20 mg of garlic oil, 3 cloves per day.
* Eye Conditions: Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration , Diabetic Retinopathy , Cataracts
* Recommended Product: Garlic Tablets
* Note: Garlic contains cysteine, methione, and glutathione. It reduces cholesterol, thins the blood without the side effects of aspirin, reduces blood pressure, and is used as a natural antibiotic.
Coenzyme Q10 (also called CoQ10) helps cells breakdown food into energy, and improves heart function and overall blood circulation.
* Food Sources: The best sources of CoQ10 are animal muscle tissues, but many people prefer not to eat this type of food. It is also found in vegetables, particularly spinach and broccoli, but it is easily destroyed in the cooking process.
* Other Sources: Supplements
* Recommended Dose: 30 mg per day, or more as prescribed by your health care professional.
* Eye Conditions: Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration , Diabetic Retinopathy , Cataracts
* Recommended Product: Coenzyme Q10
Vitamins
Vitamin A – we usually recommend taking vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A with a small amount of fat in the diet.
o Food Sources: Yellow and orange vegetables, including yams, carrots and sweet potatoes, asparagus, spinach, butternut squash, kale, bok choy, mangoes, cataloupe, apricots.
o Other Sources: Supplements
o Recommended Dose: Approximately 15,000 to 25,000 I.U. of beta-carotene daily.
o Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration , Glaucoma, Cataracts, Dry Eyes
o Recommended Products: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, BioTears, Vitamin A
o Note: If you have a low thyroid problem, diabetes or problems with fat absorption, beta-carotene may have difficulty converting to vitamin A.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – aids in the reception of light by the retina, and is necessary for glutathione production.
+ Food Sources: Brewer’s yeast, beans, wheat germ, whole grains, almonds.
+ Other Sources: Supplements
+ Recommended Dose: 10 mg daily.
+ Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration , Glaucoma, Cataracts, Dry Eyes
+ Recommended Product(s): Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin
+ Note: If deficient in vitamin B2, it may help with the following conditions: 1) soreness around the eyes, 2) eyes tiring easily, 3) sensitivity to light, 4) dry eyes, 5) cataracts, 6) conjuntivitus, 7) macular degeneration, 8) styes.
Folic Acid - also called folacin and folate, is a water soluble B-vitamin that helps build healthy cells. "Water soluble" means it does not stay in your body for very long, so you need to take it every day to help prevent neural tube defects. During periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy and fetal development, the body's requirement for this vitamin increases.
+ Food Sources: Green leafy vegetables, and broccoli.
+ Other Sources: Supplements
+ Recommended Dose: 400 mcg daily.
+ Eye Conditions: Cataracts
+ Recommended Product(s): Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, Folic Acid
+ Notes: Should be taken with vitamin B12 and Zinc.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – found to be deficient in almost all persons with macular degeneration. B6 aids in the proper absorption of magnesium, and has a diuretic effect which helps decrease eye pressure.
+ Food Sources: Avocados, bananas, brewer’s yeast, carrots, brown rice, wheat germ, sunflower seeds.
+ Other Sources: Supplements
+ Recommended Dose: 50 mg daily.
+ Eye Conditions: Dry Eyes
+ Recommended Products: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, BioTears
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) seems to improve or prevent the worsening of eyesight in glaucoma patients, apparently by preventing the degeneration of the fatty layer surrounding the nerve cells called the myelin sheath.
+ Food Sources: Eggs, sardines, clams, mackerel.
+ Other Sources: Supplements
+ Recommended Dose: up to 1,000 mcg per day (therapeutic dosage). RDA is 5 mcg per day.
+ Eye Conditions: Glaucoma, Optic Nerve Problems
+ Recommended Product: Vital Eyes Complete
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is the queen of antioxidants, helping neutralize free radicals, plus serves as a natural ultraviolet filter inside the eye. The eye has the second highest concentration of Vitamin C in the body next to the adrenal glands.
+ Food Sources: Broccoli, green cabbage, bell peppers, red peppers, kale, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, tangerines, kiwi fruit, oranges, lemons, papayas.
+ Other Sources: Supplements
+ Recommended Dose: 500-3000 mg daily.
+ Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Cataracts, Dry Eyes
+ Recommended Products: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, BioTears
+ Note: Large doses of vitamin C may cause diarrhea. If so, reduce the dosage.
Vitamin E is another antioxidant that helps reduce eye pressure. Choose the natural “d” form, not the synthetic “dl” form.
+ Food Sources: Wheat germ, brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, broccoli, mangoes, avocados.
+ Other Sources: Supplements
+ Recommended Dose: 400-500 I.U.’s daily.
+ Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration , Glaucoma, Cataracts
+ Recommended Products: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, Pure Focus
+ Notes: If you are taking blood thinning drugs, consult with your physician due to the fact that vitamin E thins the blood. Note that vitamin E also has been shown to reduce the need for insulin among diabetics.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Greater Omega-3 fatty acid intake associated with protection against advanced age-related macular degeneration
by Wilmer Eye Institute
Researchers from Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University report in the December, 2010 issue of the journal Ophthalmology the finding of a protective effect for fish that contain abundant amounts of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA against the development of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The disease is the leading cause of blindness among older Americans of European descent and the number of individuals with advanced AMD is expected to rise by 50% by the next decade.
For their analysis, Sheila K. West, PhD and her associates evaluated data from 2,391 participants in the Salisbury Eye Evaluation (SEE) Study, which included men and women between the ages of 65 and 84 residing in Maryland. Dietary questionnaire responses were analyzed for the type and amount of fish and shellfish consumed weekly. Fundus photographs taken upon enrollment were evaluated for the presence and grade of macular degeneration.
Two hundred twenty-seven subjects were found to have early macular degeneration. One hundred fifty-three had intermediate-stage disease, and advanced macular degeneration, classified as the presence of abnormal blood vessel growth and bleeding or geographic atrophy, was observed in 68 participants. Although there did not appear to be a significant protective effect for fish and shellfish in general, those whose intake of high omega-3 fatty acid fish was greatest at one or more servings per week had a 60 percent lower risk of advanced disease compared to those who consumed less than one serving.
The finding adds evidence to that of other research, including the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), concerning the benefit of nutritional components against macular degeneration. High amounts of omega-3s have been measured in the retina of the eye, and may be essential to eye health. Although AREDS found a protective effect for zinc against age-related macular degeneration, the current study failed to associate greater intake of seafood containing a high amount of the mineral with a lower risk of AMD; however, the authors note that dietary levels of zinc, which average 13 milligrams per week in diets that include crab and oysters, are significantly lower than the 80 milligrams per day of supplemental zinc that was administered in the trial.
"Our study corroborates earlier findings that eating omega-3-rich fish and shellfish may protect against advanced AMD," Dr West stated. "While participants in all groups, including controls, averaged at least one serving of fish or shellfish per week, those who had advanced AMD were significantly less likely to consume high omega-3 fish and seafood."
"Future studies, as suggested by a recent systematic review, are needed to further elucidate the association between the consumption of fish, shellfish, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids and the risk of AMD," the authors recommend.
Researchers from Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University report in the December, 2010 issue of the journal Ophthalmology the finding of a protective effect for fish that contain abundant amounts of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA against the development of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The disease is the leading cause of blindness among older Americans of European descent and the number of individuals with advanced AMD is expected to rise by 50% by the next decade.
For their analysis, Sheila K. West, PhD and her associates evaluated data from 2,391 participants in the Salisbury Eye Evaluation (SEE) Study, which included men and women between the ages of 65 and 84 residing in Maryland. Dietary questionnaire responses were analyzed for the type and amount of fish and shellfish consumed weekly. Fundus photographs taken upon enrollment were evaluated for the presence and grade of macular degeneration.
Two hundred twenty-seven subjects were found to have early macular degeneration. One hundred fifty-three had intermediate-stage disease, and advanced macular degeneration, classified as the presence of abnormal blood vessel growth and bleeding or geographic atrophy, was observed in 68 participants. Although there did not appear to be a significant protective effect for fish and shellfish in general, those whose intake of high omega-3 fatty acid fish was greatest at one or more servings per week had a 60 percent lower risk of advanced disease compared to those who consumed less than one serving.
The finding adds evidence to that of other research, including the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), concerning the benefit of nutritional components against macular degeneration. High amounts of omega-3s have been measured in the retina of the eye, and may be essential to eye health. Although AREDS found a protective effect for zinc against age-related macular degeneration, the current study failed to associate greater intake of seafood containing a high amount of the mineral with a lower risk of AMD; however, the authors note that dietary levels of zinc, which average 13 milligrams per week in diets that include crab and oysters, are significantly lower than the 80 milligrams per day of supplemental zinc that was administered in the trial.
"Our study corroborates earlier findings that eating omega-3-rich fish and shellfish may protect against advanced AMD," Dr West stated. "While participants in all groups, including controls, averaged at least one serving of fish or shellfish per week, those who had advanced AMD were significantly less likely to consume high omega-3 fish and seafood."
"Future studies, as suggested by a recent systematic review, are needed to further elucidate the association between the consumption of fish, shellfish, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids and the risk of AMD," the authors recommend.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Ophthalmologists focus on preserving,restoring and enhancing vision in aging patients
by Richard L. Lindstrom, MD
Aging is one risk factor for disease and degeneration that no one can avoid. As all of us over the age of 60 know, the only good thing about aging is that it is superior to the alternative. It is telling that in the U.S., those over the age of 65 years consume 10 times the eye care as those under the age of 65 years.
The challenge for all seniors is to age gracefully, remaining as healthy, wealthy and wise as possible, allowing a high-quality, joyous life. It is part of our duty as physicians to assist our patients in meeting the challenges of aging as best possible. This challenge includes helping them preserve their vision, restoring visual function when treatable diseases are present and, in many cases, enhancing their visual function by, for example, reducing their dependence on glasses when desired.
Preservation of vision includes diagnosing age-related eye disease in a timely fashion and treating patients appropriately. The most common age-related diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, cataract, glaucoma and ocular surface disease are all best managed when diagnosed early and treated as indicated. We are all well-trained and experienced in the this type of restorative medical care.
On the other hand, counseling patients in preventive medical care through proper diet and lifestyle habits was not taught in my medical training, which began some 40 years ago. When I began my medical training in 1969, the significant impact that nutrition and behavioral choices can have on health and quality of life were both less well-understood and, to be direct, neglected in our formal educational process. Today we know that lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on our patients’, and our own, health and quality of life. Clear risk factors include smoking, a poor diet high in saturated fats, inadequate fruit and vegetable ingestion, lack of exercise and improper eye protection when performing dangerous activities, such as pounding a nail. It is important for us all to be aware of these factors and share this knowledge with our patients.
I am an advocate of nutritional supplements and encourage for many patients antioxidant and multiple vitamin supplements as well as omega-3 fatty acids. I take these myself as well as a daily dose of aspirin. Avoidance of smoking is critical. If one enjoys the occasional alcoholic drink, red wine seems the best choice with its high content of the antioxidant resveratrol — ideally never more than two glasses in a given day. Fish is to be encouraged frequently in place of meat. My internist’s recommendation is fruit for breakfast, salad for lunch, and fish or white meat for dinner with lots of green vegetables. In addition, exercise is critical. For most in their senior years, walking is the best therapy, along with light weight training. In addition, the impact of companionship on health and quality of life is well-established. Isolation often leads to depression, and it is important for all physicians to look for and offer referral to the untreated depressed patient.
In regards to vision restoration, the most common cause of visual disability in advanced countries, AMD, can in many cases be mitigated by referral to a specialist in low-vision aids. I ask every new patient I see with significant visual disability whether they have seen a low-vision specialist, and sadly, I would estimate that only about 10% have been previously evaluated. In addition, well more than 50% of senior patients with a visual disability also suffer from an untreated hearing disability. We now screen for this in our practice as well and offer treatment. This is an area where we as a profession can do better.
Of course, most rewarding is the restoration of vision, and the miracle of modern cataract surgery remains one of the most satisfying operations in all of medicine to perform. For many patients, we can not only restore good vision, but in many cases enhance visual performance and quality of life through the utilization of refractive cataract surgery customized to the individual patient’s lifestyle goals.
While the rewards of visual restoration remain at the core of our practice as ophthalmologists, it is important that we do not neglect our duty to preserve vision as well. I also believe it is now appropriate for every cataract surgeon to learn and practice the skills required for refractive cataract surgery, which provides the most common opportunity today for visual function enhancement in the senior patient. As always, the demand for lifelong learning and surgical skill advancement remains a challenge, but the positive impact on our senior patients’ quality of life is well worth the effort.
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Aging is one risk factor for disease and degeneration that no one can avoid. As all of us over the age of 60 know, the only good thing about aging is that it is superior to the alternative. It is telling that in the U.S., those over the age of 65 years consume 10 times the eye care as those under the age of 65 years.
The challenge for all seniors is to age gracefully, remaining as healthy, wealthy and wise as possible, allowing a high-quality, joyous life. It is part of our duty as physicians to assist our patients in meeting the challenges of aging as best possible. This challenge includes helping them preserve their vision, restoring visual function when treatable diseases are present and, in many cases, enhancing their visual function by, for example, reducing their dependence on glasses when desired.
Preservation of vision includes diagnosing age-related eye disease in a timely fashion and treating patients appropriately. The most common age-related diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, cataract, glaucoma and ocular surface disease are all best managed when diagnosed early and treated as indicated. We are all well-trained and experienced in the this type of restorative medical care.
On the other hand, counseling patients in preventive medical care through proper diet and lifestyle habits was not taught in my medical training, which began some 40 years ago. When I began my medical training in 1969, the significant impact that nutrition and behavioral choices can have on health and quality of life were both less well-understood and, to be direct, neglected in our formal educational process. Today we know that lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on our patients’, and our own, health and quality of life. Clear risk factors include smoking, a poor diet high in saturated fats, inadequate fruit and vegetable ingestion, lack of exercise and improper eye protection when performing dangerous activities, such as pounding a nail. It is important for us all to be aware of these factors and share this knowledge with our patients.
I am an advocate of nutritional supplements and encourage for many patients antioxidant and multiple vitamin supplements as well as omega-3 fatty acids. I take these myself as well as a daily dose of aspirin. Avoidance of smoking is critical. If one enjoys the occasional alcoholic drink, red wine seems the best choice with its high content of the antioxidant resveratrol — ideally never more than two glasses in a given day. Fish is to be encouraged frequently in place of meat. My internist’s recommendation is fruit for breakfast, salad for lunch, and fish or white meat for dinner with lots of green vegetables. In addition, exercise is critical. For most in their senior years, walking is the best therapy, along with light weight training. In addition, the impact of companionship on health and quality of life is well-established. Isolation often leads to depression, and it is important for all physicians to look for and offer referral to the untreated depressed patient.
In regards to vision restoration, the most common cause of visual disability in advanced countries, AMD, can in many cases be mitigated by referral to a specialist in low-vision aids. I ask every new patient I see with significant visual disability whether they have seen a low-vision specialist, and sadly, I would estimate that only about 10% have been previously evaluated. In addition, well more than 50% of senior patients with a visual disability also suffer from an untreated hearing disability. We now screen for this in our practice as well and offer treatment. This is an area where we as a profession can do better.
Of course, most rewarding is the restoration of vision, and the miracle of modern cataract surgery remains one of the most satisfying operations in all of medicine to perform. For many patients, we can not only restore good vision, but in many cases enhance visual performance and quality of life through the utilization of refractive cataract surgery customized to the individual patient’s lifestyle goals.
While the rewards of visual restoration remain at the core of our practice as ophthalmologists, it is important that we do not neglect our duty to preserve vision as well. I also believe it is now appropriate for every cataract surgeon to learn and practice the skills required for refractive cataract surgery, which provides the most common opportunity today for visual function enhancement in the senior patient. As always, the demand for lifelong learning and surgical skill advancement remains a challenge, but the positive impact on our senior patients’ quality of life is well worth the effort.
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Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Tomato Juice can Ward Off Osteoporosis- study
by neha gupta -
Two glasses of tomato juice a day keeps osteoporosis risk at bay, according to a recent research conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto in Canada.
2diggsdigg
Two glasses of tomato juice a day keeps osteoporosis risk at bay, according to a recent research conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto in Canada.
Consuming tomato juice on a regular basis can prevent osteoporosis, a bone ailment leading to an increased risk of fractures, by strengthening bones.
Lycopene, an antioxidant contained in the fruit is believed to be the key ingredient behind the process.
Lycopene has been earlier known to reduce the risk of prostate cancer [abnormal cells that divide without control, which can invade nearby tissues or spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. ] and heart diseases in men.
The study details
The study, aimed to find the role of tomato juice in preventing osteoporosis, looked at 60 post-menopausal women aged between 50 to 60 years.
The participants were asked not to take any tomato product for 30 days.
Cutting out all tomato products from their diet led to a steep increase in their level of N-telopeptide, a chemical produced on breaking of bones.
They were further instructed to consume a daily dose of tomato juice for a period of 4 months.
The dosage included either 15mg of lycopene, 35mg of lycopene, lycopene capsules or dummy capsules.
Women taking any one of the lycopene products along with the juice reported a significant decrease in their N-telopeptide levels.
However, no such benefit was witnessed in the ones taking the dummy capsules.
According to the researchers, standard market juice was found to be as beneficial as the lycopene-enriched one.
"Tomatoes not only contain high levels of carotenoid antioxidants [compounds that protect against cell damage inflicted by molecules called oxygen-free radicals, which are a major cause of disease and aging.] such as lycopene, but also serve as a significant source of vitamin C, fiber and potassium in the American diet," said Kristin Reimers, Ph.D., nutrition manager, ConAgra Foods.
A little about Lycopene
Lycopene is a red colored carotene and carotenoid pigment commonly found in red fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, watermelons and papayas, pink grapefruit, pink guava, red bell pepper, seabuckthorn and wolfberry.
Tomato products like tomato-based sauces, juices, and ketchup account for almost 85 percent of the total lycopene consumption for most of us.
As the nutritional content of lycopene is not reduced on cooking of tomatoes, tomato products like a tomato paste are much more lycopene concentrated than raw tomatoes.
Lycopene is known to neutralize the growth of harmful radicals leading to several cancers like pancreatic cancer, colon [The part of the large intestine that runs from the cecum to the rectum as a long hollow tube that serves to remove water from digested food and let the remaining material, solid waste called stool, move through it to the rectum and leave the body through the anus. ] and rectum [lower end of the large intestine, leading to the anus.] , esophagus, oral cavity, breast, and cervix cancer besides heart diseases, macular degeneration and other age-related illnesses.
Two glasses of tomato juice a day keeps osteoporosis risk at bay, according to a recent research conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto in Canada.
2diggsdigg
Two glasses of tomato juice a day keeps osteoporosis risk at bay, according to a recent research conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto in Canada.
Consuming tomato juice on a regular basis can prevent osteoporosis, a bone ailment leading to an increased risk of fractures, by strengthening bones.
Lycopene, an antioxidant contained in the fruit is believed to be the key ingredient behind the process.
Lycopene has been earlier known to reduce the risk of prostate cancer [abnormal cells that divide without control, which can invade nearby tissues or spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. ] and heart diseases in men.
The study details
The study, aimed to find the role of tomato juice in preventing osteoporosis, looked at 60 post-menopausal women aged between 50 to 60 years.
The participants were asked not to take any tomato product for 30 days.
Cutting out all tomato products from their diet led to a steep increase in their level of N-telopeptide, a chemical produced on breaking of bones.
They were further instructed to consume a daily dose of tomato juice for a period of 4 months.
The dosage included either 15mg of lycopene, 35mg of lycopene, lycopene capsules or dummy capsules.
Women taking any one of the lycopene products along with the juice reported a significant decrease in their N-telopeptide levels.
However, no such benefit was witnessed in the ones taking the dummy capsules.
According to the researchers, standard market juice was found to be as beneficial as the lycopene-enriched one.
"Tomatoes not only contain high levels of carotenoid antioxidants [compounds that protect against cell damage inflicted by molecules called oxygen-free radicals, which are a major cause of disease and aging.] such as lycopene, but also serve as a significant source of vitamin C, fiber and potassium in the American diet," said Kristin Reimers, Ph.D., nutrition manager, ConAgra Foods.
A little about Lycopene
Lycopene is a red colored carotene and carotenoid pigment commonly found in red fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, watermelons and papayas, pink grapefruit, pink guava, red bell pepper, seabuckthorn and wolfberry.
Tomato products like tomato-based sauces, juices, and ketchup account for almost 85 percent of the total lycopene consumption for most of us.
As the nutritional content of lycopene is not reduced on cooking of tomatoes, tomato products like a tomato paste are much more lycopene concentrated than raw tomatoes.
Lycopene is known to neutralize the growth of harmful radicals leading to several cancers like pancreatic cancer, colon [The part of the large intestine that runs from the cecum to the rectum as a long hollow tube that serves to remove water from digested food and let the remaining material, solid waste called stool, move through it to the rectum and leave the body through the anus. ] and rectum [lower end of the large intestine, leading to the anus.] , esophagus, oral cavity, breast, and cervix cancer besides heart diseases, macular degeneration and other age-related illnesses.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Nutrition and the Eye
Article submitted By Dr. Klair
Aging is a mystery, and everyone does it in their own way. Some people retain clear vision into old age, but most people, even those who are otherwise healthy, develop cataract, and some suffer macular degeneration. Nutrition plays an important role in the long term health of the eye.
The eye is subject to a lifetime barrage of light energy, which includes the white light of vision as well as the higher energy (and more damaging) ultra-violet radiation. The natural lens inside the eye absorbs much of this UV radiation and is subject to cumulative oxidative damage. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is present in high concentration in the aqueous humor of the eye and is believed essential in the repair of this damage. Vitamin C is widely available in citrus fruits and beverages, as well as tomatoes and most acidic fruits. Vitamin C is not stored in the human body and so must be consumed every day. If a person doesn't eat vitamin C rich foods, then they should supplement with 500 milligrams daily. In addition to the health of the eye, vitamin C is critical to the immune system, gums, and skin.
The macula, or central vision area of the retina, has complex pigments that constantly recycle and restore the retina after exposure to light. It has long been known that beta-carotene is essential to this process. Most people know that eating carrots, a rich source of beta-carotene, is good for vision. Vitamin A is supplemented in milk, and is also present in some animal products, especially liver. Humans store vitamin A in their liver and overdosing is possible, therefore the preferred supplement is beta carotene.
Recently it has been discovered that other carotinoid pigments, called lutein and zeaxanthine, are essential to the health of the macula. These are found in carrots but are more abundant in the dark green leafy vegetables, like collard greens, spinach, and kale. Yellow fruits like squash and pumpkin are also a good source. These pigments are concentrated in the macula and play a critical role in the function and restoration of the retina.
Unfortunately, as some people age the macula deteriorates. Age-related macula degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of new blindness in Americans over the age of 65. The risk is strongly age dependent and by age 75 there is a 5% incidence of the disease. There are two forms, "wet" and "dry," with the wet type being far more devastating to vision. Both types usually begin with the appearance of "drusen" in the macula. These usually appear in the 5th-6th decade of life and are detected by ophthalmologic examination. The American Medical Assoc. recommends screening exams every 2-4 years for ages 40-64, and then annually after age 65.
After years of anecdotal and epidemiologic evidence in favor of dietary pigments for AMD, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, released in November of 2001, definitively supports the role for dietary supplements in macular degeneration. The study found that patients with macular degeneration who took 80 mg of zinc, 500 mg of vitamin C, 15 mg of beta carotene, and 400 IU of vitamin E daily did better than those who took placebo or other combinations over a three year follow-up.
Eat a broad variety of foods over the course of a lifetime to maintain healthy eyes. Consult an ophthalmologist for use of dietary supplements.
Aging is a mystery, and everyone does it in their own way. Some people retain clear vision into old age, but most people, even those who are otherwise healthy, develop cataract, and some suffer macular degeneration. Nutrition plays an important role in the long term health of the eye.
The eye is subject to a lifetime barrage of light energy, which includes the white light of vision as well as the higher energy (and more damaging) ultra-violet radiation. The natural lens inside the eye absorbs much of this UV radiation and is subject to cumulative oxidative damage. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is present in high concentration in the aqueous humor of the eye and is believed essential in the repair of this damage. Vitamin C is widely available in citrus fruits and beverages, as well as tomatoes and most acidic fruits. Vitamin C is not stored in the human body and so must be consumed every day. If a person doesn't eat vitamin C rich foods, then they should supplement with 500 milligrams daily. In addition to the health of the eye, vitamin C is critical to the immune system, gums, and skin.
The macula, or central vision area of the retina, has complex pigments that constantly recycle and restore the retina after exposure to light. It has long been known that beta-carotene is essential to this process. Most people know that eating carrots, a rich source of beta-carotene, is good for vision. Vitamin A is supplemented in milk, and is also present in some animal products, especially liver. Humans store vitamin A in their liver and overdosing is possible, therefore the preferred supplement is beta carotene.
Recently it has been discovered that other carotinoid pigments, called lutein and zeaxanthine, are essential to the health of the macula. These are found in carrots but are more abundant in the dark green leafy vegetables, like collard greens, spinach, and kale. Yellow fruits like squash and pumpkin are also a good source. These pigments are concentrated in the macula and play a critical role in the function and restoration of the retina.
Unfortunately, as some people age the macula deteriorates. Age-related macula degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of new blindness in Americans over the age of 65. The risk is strongly age dependent and by age 75 there is a 5% incidence of the disease. There are two forms, "wet" and "dry," with the wet type being far more devastating to vision. Both types usually begin with the appearance of "drusen" in the macula. These usually appear in the 5th-6th decade of life and are detected by ophthalmologic examination. The American Medical Assoc. recommends screening exams every 2-4 years for ages 40-64, and then annually after age 65.
After years of anecdotal and epidemiologic evidence in favor of dietary pigments for AMD, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, released in November of 2001, definitively supports the role for dietary supplements in macular degeneration. The study found that patients with macular degeneration who took 80 mg of zinc, 500 mg of vitamin C, 15 mg of beta carotene, and 400 IU of vitamin E daily did better than those who took placebo or other combinations over a three year follow-up.
Eat a broad variety of foods over the course of a lifetime to maintain healthy eyes. Consult an ophthalmologist for use of dietary supplements.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Healthy Tips For Eye Care
Prevention is better than cure .This is applicable for eye health too. Eye care is better than eye cure. So do take good care of your eyes. This can be done by taking in lot of vitamins especially vitamin A into your diet. Other diets that are rich in minerals are also good to eyes .Some of the exercises can also ensure good eye health .
Eat lots of green, leafy veggies, says Lylas Mogk, M.D., an ophthalmologist who practices in Livonia, Mich. These include kale, collard greens and spinach, which are rich in lutein, an antioxidant that research shows may help preserve eye health and deter the risk of macular degeneration. Wolfberries, which are rich in zeaxanthin, also may be beneficial.
To protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, you need to make sure your regular glasses and sunglasses have 100% UV protection. “That is completely separate from any tint. The fact is that you can have clear lenses with UV coating that will protect you from the harmful rays of the sun,”
We can benefit from Vitamins A, E, and C for overall eye health care. Vitamin A may help reduce risks of night blindness and cataracts. For people who have Vitamin A deficiency, this deficiency has been implicated in blindness and corneal ulcers .For reducing the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts, Vitamin E plays an important role.
Pressure in glaucoma will be reduced when you take Vitamin C and it also helps slow age related degeneration and provides resistance to cataracts. Vitamins are rich source of antioxidants and they can help in eye health care because antioxidant helps fight the effects of oxidation that contributes to the destruction of healthy tissues and is strongly implicated in macular degeneration
Deficiency of vitamin A can lead to nightblindess, xerophthalmia including dryness of eyes and corneal ulcer formation leading to blindness. Vitamin A helps to prevent the progression of age related macular degeneration (ARMD) which is the leading cause of blindness in the world.
Smokers and those consuming alcohol need extra vitamin supplement as tobacco prevents absorption of vitamin A and alcohol depletes it from the body. However smokers should avoid beta carotene supplement as it increases the risk of lung cancer in them.
Food sources: Carrot, mango, sweet potato, papaya, cod liver oil, liver, beef.
Another way to relax your eyes is to place sliced cucumber on the eyelids while you are relaxing in a bath tub.
Try taking short breaks after long hours of working. It is better to do few small eye exercises like blinking eyes several times, rolling the eyeballs while keeping your eyes closed.
Try looking at a distant object in your office or somewhere outside after long working hours. This would help you in improving your eyes focus.
Don’t keep your eyes focused in one place for a sustained period of time. Change your focus. Look up out a window periodically when you’re doing close work, to give your eyes a break. Sustained contraction of the eyes can also lead to a contraction of your upper body and neck. Don’t stare continuously without breaks, as that causes tension on the visual system, and can contribute to vision problems.
Eat lots of green, leafy veggies, says Lylas Mogk, M.D., an ophthalmologist who practices in Livonia, Mich. These include kale, collard greens and spinach, which are rich in lutein, an antioxidant that research shows may help preserve eye health and deter the risk of macular degeneration. Wolfberries, which are rich in zeaxanthin, also may be beneficial.
To protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, you need to make sure your regular glasses and sunglasses have 100% UV protection. “That is completely separate from any tint. The fact is that you can have clear lenses with UV coating that will protect you from the harmful rays of the sun,”
We can benefit from Vitamins A, E, and C for overall eye health care. Vitamin A may help reduce risks of night blindness and cataracts. For people who have Vitamin A deficiency, this deficiency has been implicated in blindness and corneal ulcers .For reducing the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts, Vitamin E plays an important role.
Pressure in glaucoma will be reduced when you take Vitamin C and it also helps slow age related degeneration and provides resistance to cataracts. Vitamins are rich source of antioxidants and they can help in eye health care because antioxidant helps fight the effects of oxidation that contributes to the destruction of healthy tissues and is strongly implicated in macular degeneration
Deficiency of vitamin A can lead to nightblindess, xerophthalmia including dryness of eyes and corneal ulcer formation leading to blindness. Vitamin A helps to prevent the progression of age related macular degeneration (ARMD) which is the leading cause of blindness in the world.
Smokers and those consuming alcohol need extra vitamin supplement as tobacco prevents absorption of vitamin A and alcohol depletes it from the body. However smokers should avoid beta carotene supplement as it increases the risk of lung cancer in them.
Food sources: Carrot, mango, sweet potato, papaya, cod liver oil, liver, beef.
Another way to relax your eyes is to place sliced cucumber on the eyelids while you are relaxing in a bath tub.
Try taking short breaks after long hours of working. It is better to do few small eye exercises like blinking eyes several times, rolling the eyeballs while keeping your eyes closed.
Try looking at a distant object in your office or somewhere outside after long working hours. This would help you in improving your eyes focus.
Don’t keep your eyes focused in one place for a sustained period of time. Change your focus. Look up out a window periodically when you’re doing close work, to give your eyes a break. Sustained contraction of the eyes can also lead to a contraction of your upper body and neck. Don’t stare continuously without breaks, as that causes tension on the visual system, and can contribute to vision problems.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Vitamins For Eye Health
To maintain proper eyesight, a nutritious and balanced diet is essential. And when we are talking about diet for the eyes, vitamins are the most important. Doctors recommend vitamins for enhancement of eyesight. A diet rich in vitamins help us to prevent many eye diseases. In fact, proper intake of vitamins may even help to reduce deterioration and improve the vision that occurs due to aging. Substances like omega-3 fatty acids have been identified as helping in vision development right from when we are in the womb. It can also protect the eyes from macular degeneration. Antioxidants are beneficial to counter oxidation effect on eye tissues.
Vitamins are rich in antioxidants and other compounds. Oxidation causes cataracts thus hampering vision. The body counters this effect by using antioxidants present in Vitamins C, E, A and carotenoid. The red and yellow pigments called carotenoid are present in plants and animals. It helps in converting beta-carotene into Vitamin A and fights cataracts by absorbing blue light. Other carotenoids like zeaxanthin and lutein are also beneficial.
Vitamin A is found in green, orange and yellow vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, corn, and also in egg yolks and liver. It helps to fight night blindness and cataracts and improves night vision. If the night blindness deficiency is not corrected, it can lead to xerophthalmia. Eyes become dry, eyelids get swollen and corneal ulcers occur. Smokers and drinkers should take in extra Vitamin A supplements as tobacco and alcohol decrease the Vitamin A content in the body. However, beta-carotene supplements increase smokers' incidence of lung cancer.
Vitamin C is found in green, leafy vegetables and citrus fruits like broccoli, potatoes, peppers, oranges, berries, strawberries. It reduces the pressure in glaucoma patients' eyes, delays macular degeneration and reduces cataract risk. Our body can neither create Vitamin C nor store it for long in the body. Almost any food that has Vitamin C also contains bioflavonoid. Not only it helps the eyes, it also helps the body to absorb Vitamin C. Cherries, grapes and plums are rich in bioflavonoid.
Sunflower seeds and nuts like almonds, hazelnuts etc are the main sources of Vitamin E. Studies show the vitamin helps to prevent cataracts. Many eye doctors suggest their patients to take a multivitamin rich in Vitamin E along with a balanced diet. Minerals like selenium helps the body to absorb Vitamin E. Brazil nuts, yeast and sea foods like oysters are rich in selenium.
Ideally, it is best to get our daily doses of vitamins from our everyday fruits and vegetables. However, due to nutrient depletion in soil and use of pesticides, fruits and vegetables often have less vitamin content. Cooking, heat and light also lead to the lowering of vitamin content. Try to buy foods that are marked as organic. They have the required vitamin content needed by our bodies. Salads are rich in vitamin because uncooked vegetables and fruits are used to make it. Vitamin supplements help to counter the reduction in our daily dosage of nutrients. Multivitamins that are specifically for the eye should be taken. But before starting on any supplement, it is best to take the opinion of a doctor.
Vitamins are rich in antioxidants and other compounds. Oxidation causes cataracts thus hampering vision. The body counters this effect by using antioxidants present in Vitamins C, E, A and carotenoid. The red and yellow pigments called carotenoid are present in plants and animals. It helps in converting beta-carotene into Vitamin A and fights cataracts by absorbing blue light. Other carotenoids like zeaxanthin and lutein are also beneficial.
Vitamin A is found in green, orange and yellow vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, corn, and also in egg yolks and liver. It helps to fight night blindness and cataracts and improves night vision. If the night blindness deficiency is not corrected, it can lead to xerophthalmia. Eyes become dry, eyelids get swollen and corneal ulcers occur. Smokers and drinkers should take in extra Vitamin A supplements as tobacco and alcohol decrease the Vitamin A content in the body. However, beta-carotene supplements increase smokers' incidence of lung cancer.
Vitamin C is found in green, leafy vegetables and citrus fruits like broccoli, potatoes, peppers, oranges, berries, strawberries. It reduces the pressure in glaucoma patients' eyes, delays macular degeneration and reduces cataract risk. Our body can neither create Vitamin C nor store it for long in the body. Almost any food that has Vitamin C also contains bioflavonoid. Not only it helps the eyes, it also helps the body to absorb Vitamin C. Cherries, grapes and plums are rich in bioflavonoid.
Sunflower seeds and nuts like almonds, hazelnuts etc are the main sources of Vitamin E. Studies show the vitamin helps to prevent cataracts. Many eye doctors suggest their patients to take a multivitamin rich in Vitamin E along with a balanced diet. Minerals like selenium helps the body to absorb Vitamin E. Brazil nuts, yeast and sea foods like oysters are rich in selenium.
Ideally, it is best to get our daily doses of vitamins from our everyday fruits and vegetables. However, due to nutrient depletion in soil and use of pesticides, fruits and vegetables often have less vitamin content. Cooking, heat and light also lead to the lowering of vitamin content. Try to buy foods that are marked as organic. They have the required vitamin content needed by our bodies. Salads are rich in vitamin because uncooked vegetables and fruits are used to make it. Vitamin supplements help to counter the reduction in our daily dosage of nutrients. Multivitamins that are specifically for the eye should be taken. But before starting on any supplement, it is best to take the opinion of a doctor.
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