Diet plays a major role in improving vision and protecting your eye health. In order to improve your eye health the eyes need a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and omega-3 fatty acid sources. An example of a diet that meets this criteria is the Mediterranean diet. What kinds of foods does the Mediterranean diet consist of? This diet is abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, nuts and Olive Oil. Research suggests that people who live in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea report a longer life span than people from other countries of the world. They also have a lower risk for diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Therefore, here is some information regarding the general health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet and how it can help you improve your vision health:
Eye Health Benefits Of the Mediterranean Diet: The fact that this diet is abundant in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 rich fish sources; it is abundant in antioxidant nutrients and cuts the risks for inflammation. For example, Kale is rich in vision supporting nutrients that increase eye health. This diet consists of fish which is rich in Omega-3 Fatty acids that supports both eye and heart health.
A University Of Sydney Australia research study revealed that people who consumed only 1 serving of fish per week had reduced their risk for macular degeneration by 31%. The omega – 3 content of the Mediterranean Diet has a protective effect on eye health. This is due to the fact that it prevents plaque buildup in the arteries of the heart which in turn has a beneficial effect on the eyes thereby reducing inflammation on the retina.
A study conducted by The American Academy Of Ophthalmology showed that people on the Mediterranean Diet lowered their risk for the age related vision disease, macular degeneration by one third.
A study involving test subjects with type 2 diabetes with no complications between ages 55-80 participated in a study to determine the effects of the Mediterranean Diet on the rates of diabetic eye diseases and diabetic kidney diseases. A total of 3,614 people were involved in this study. 3 controlled groups were selected and each individual group were monitored to see which group reduced their risks for diabetic eye disease and diabetic kidney disease.
The first group ate a Mediterranean diet rich in extra – virgin Olive oil, the second group ate a similar diet with mixed nuts and the third group ate a low fat diet. Researchers recorded the rates of diabetic eye disease and diabetic kidney disease of these participants. The results of this study revealed that the group who ate a Mediterranean Diet rich in extra virgin olive oil were actually able to reduce their risks for diabetic eye diseases.
There is certainly a link between a healthy diet and better eye health. An example of such a healthy diet is the Mediterranean Diet. Due to the fact that it is abundant in fruits and vegetables and omega 3 -rich food sources it supports the health of the visual system. Ultimately, when you consume this kind of diet you feed your eyes with the right nutrition for promoting maximum eye and general health.
