Eat to beat 6 common problems

Eat to beat 6 common problems

Research confirms that by including certain foods in your diet you can help fight many health problems. Good Food's nutritionist, Fiona Hunter, offers practical advice...

Foods to fight...vision loss

Sardines There is a strong link between diet and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts and glaucoma, three of the most common causes of impaired vision and blindness in people over the age of 60. Eat more of the following foods:

Several studies have shown that those who eat a diet rich in fruit and vegetables (especially dark green, leafy vegetables) are less likely to suffer from AMD.
The phytochemicals lutein (found in spinach, kale, broccoli, kiwi fruit, Brussels sprouts, peas, sweetcorn and papaya) and zeaxanthin (found in spinach, oranges, tangerines and Cos lettuce) are believed to help protect the lens of the eye from damage by free radicals. A diet rich in fruit and vegetables and vitamin C has also been shown to reduce the risk and slow the development of cataracts.

A good intake of omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish, may also help to protect against glaucoma.

EAT LESS salt. High blood pressure is believed to increase the risk of glaucoma.

VERDICT

Make sure you eat your five-a-day

Eat oil-rich fish at least once a week

Smoking and obesity both increase the risk of AMD, so quit smoking and keep your weight within the ideal range

Protect your eyes in the sun by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses

For more information, visit the visit National Eye Institute website.