Maybe we should call it see food Research on how various foods affect health and disease is a tenuous business plagued with many variables, prejudices, and unknowns. Eye health is no exception. However, a study on age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is worth reporting. The objective of the "Blue Mountain Eye Study" was to assess whether dietary intake of fat or fish is associated with the occurrence of ARMD, the leading cause of blindness in the United States. The researchers concluded that increased consumption of fish appeared to protect against late ARMD. (Unfortunately, no benefits were associated with fish consumption and the prevention of early stages of ARMD.) Your retina contains a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids and so do certain types of fish. Those who consumed fish one to three times per month had approximately half the risk of late stage diseases as those who consumed fish less than once per month. The greatest protection was found in those who ate fish once or twice a week. Eating fish more than once or twice a week did not offer any additional benefits. You should eat fish twice weekly. For those who would rather not eat fish; fish oil, cod liver oil, and DHA supplements are available in most health food stores. Take one or two capsules (500 milligrams each) per day. |