Aging happens. It's not fun, but it sure beats the alternative. While I dread some of the inevitable changes, there is one that I downright fear. It's the vicious disease that attacked my Mother a few years ago and stole her sight - namely, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which is a leading cause of blindness in people over 55. There is some good news, however. In a recent article posted by realage.com, we learn that there are four nutrients that - when added to our diets - can help reduce the risk of acquiring AMD by up to 35 percent. That's a number big enough to warrant serious consideration.
Diets containing ample amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene and zinc appear to greatly reduce the risk of AMD. Good sources of these nutrients are fresh produce, nuts, fortified cereals and supplements. For example, you can get your vitamin C through oranges, mangoes and strawberries. Great sources of zinc are turkey, chicken and fortified cereal while almonds and peanut butter - or a supplement - can help with your intake of vitamin E.
Excellent sources of beta carotene are sweet potatoes, apricots and peaches. Other nutrients appearing to be beneficial to eye health include lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein is found in spinach, peas, and green bell peppers and zeaxanthin sources include corn, spinach, orange bell peppers and tangerines.
All the items listed are easily obtainable at local markets and there are enough choices to make everyone happy - even if you don't like spinach!
For more information on AMD studies click here .
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