Eating Fish and Olive Oil Reduces the Risk of Blindness
Regular consumption of fish, nuts, olive oil and other foods containing omega-3 fatty acids and avoid Trans fats appear to be associated with a lower risk of macular degeneration (ARMD).
This is stated in a study at the University of Sydney in Australia is published in the journal “Archives of Ophthalmology.” AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over 65 years in the developed world and its risk factors include age, genetic markers and smoking.
The researchers, led by Jennifer S. L. So, they studied 2454 participants in the Study of the Blue Mountains Eye started in 1992 until 1994. At that time, participants completed a food frequency questionnaire was analyzed to determine their intake of various fatty acids. The authors used digital photographs of the retina to evaluate the development of AMD five and ten years later.
The results showed that after adjusting for factors such as age, sex and smoking, consumption of one serving of fish per week was associated with a 31 percent lower risk of developing early AMD. The association was greater among individuals with a lower intake of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in unsaturated vegetable oils. Consuming one to two servings of nuts per week was associated with a 35 percent lower risk of early AMD.
The authors conclude that these findings support the hypothesis that higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 and regular consumption of fish and nuts in the diet may protect against development of early AMD. These fatty acids may protect the eyes by preventing the buildup of plaque in the arteries or by reducing inflammation, blood vessel formation and cell damage associated with oxygen in the retina.
He had earlier suggested a connection of the protective effects against AMD from the consumption of these foods and other factors such as smoking, consumption of omega-6 unsaturated or beta carotene and the rate of total blood cholesterol to HDL or good cholesterol.
Researchers say the findings also suggest that the balance between various nutrients is essential to maximize the nutritional benefit. The authors conclude that studies are needed to determine whether a change in diet or supplements could prevent or delay the development of AMD.
In another study led by Elaine WTChong Center Eye Research in Australia analyzed 6734 individuals between 58 and 69. Between 1990 and 1994, researchers evaluated the nutrient intake of participants from a food frequency questionnaire and were followed regarding the development of AMD between 2003 and 2006.
The results of another study showed that people who consumed higher levels of trans-unsaturated fats, found in baked goods and processed foods, were more likely to have advanced AMD. However, those who consumed the highest levels of omega 3 fatty acids were less likely to develop early AMD.
According to the researchers, the consumption of 100 milliliters or more of olive oil per week compared to a consumption of less than 1 milliliter was associated with a lower prevalence of advanced AMD. The authors conclude that people who eat a diet low in processed foods and high in unsaturated fatty acids and trans-fatty acids rich in omega-3 and olive oil could benefit from some protection against the development of AMD.