Health
Discover How This Diet Boosts Eye Health and Fights Macular Degeneration
The Mediterranean diet, long celebrated for its numerous health benefits, is now being recognized for its potential role in preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision impairment in older adults in the United States. This discovery adds to the diet’s reputation, which already includes benefits such as weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, and enhanced cognitive function.
AMD is an eye condition that blurs the central vision, making it difficult for individuals to see fine details clearly. According to a study published in the journal *Nutrients*, the development of AMD is marked by the presence of small drusen, which are yellow deposits of lipids and proteins found under the retina. These drusen can vary in size and are a significant indicator of AMD.
The recent research highlights the Mediterranean diet’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as key factors in its ability to positively impact eye health. The study suggests that this diet can slow the progression of AMD and reduce the risk of developing it. In essence, the Mediterranean diet acts as both a preventive and, to some extent, a treatment measure for AMD.
The study involved a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight observational studies, examining the relationship between the Mediterranean diet and AMD development or progression. Participants who adhered to the Mediterranean diet, characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, and olive oil, as well as moderate wine consumption, showed significant benefits.
In case-control studies, adherence to this diet resulted in a 34 percent reduction in AMD progression. In prospective cohort studies, there was a 23 percent reduction in the risk of developing AMD. The study’s authors attribute these findings to the diet’s richness in acids and vitamins that support eye health, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), vitamin C, vitamin E, and micronutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin.
“In the retina, PUFAs are integral components of photoreceptor outer segments, playing a crucial role in maintaining membrane fluidity, protecting photoreceptors from oxidative damage, and preventing apoptosis,” the authors wrote.
The report further explains, “Vitamin C supports retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) metabolism and enhances inner retinal function, while vitamin E is known to decrease phototoxic damage to the photoreceptor outer segments because of its ability to decrease lipid peroxidation. Additionally, lutein and zeaxanthin contribute to mitochondrial stability in the RPE and reduce oxidative stress, further supporting retinal health.”
Despite these promising findings, the study’s authors acknowledge the need for more research to fully understand the relationship between the Mediterranean diet and AMD prevention. They emphasize that dietary interventions could be a valuable strategy in managing AMD progression, potentially reducing the burden of this chronic disease.
“The present findings underscore the potential of dietary interventions in managing AMD progression, reinforcing that promoting adherence to the MD may be a valuable strategy for reducing the burden of this chronic and debilitating disease,” they concluded.
The Mediterranean diet’s benefits extend beyond eye health. By limiting red meat, dairy, and desserts, while increasing the intake of plant-based foods and healthy fats, it is known to boost heart health and lower cholesterol. Registered dietitian Kimberly Gomer, MS, RD, LD/N, has noted that the diet’s emphasis on natural foods like fish, nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, veggies, and whole grains is also beneficial for weight management.
Moreover, a 2024 study following 25,000 healthy American women over 25 years found that those who consumed more Mediterranean diet foods reduced their all-cause mortality risk by 23 percent. This growing body of research continues to highlight the Mediterranean diet as a powerful tool for enhancing overall health and longevity.
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