- A recent study found that a daily cup and a half of grapes may improve age-related vision problems.
- The findings suggest that daily grape consumption could improve a biomarker of macular degeneration in older adults.
- Grapes contain antioxidants that may reduce oxidative stress, which contributes to poor eye health.
Carrots aren’t the only food that’s good for eye health. A recent study found that a daily serving of grapes improved age-related vision problems in older adults.
The study is the first randomized, controlled human study of the potential benefits of grapes for human eyesight in the aging population.
According to the study’s authors, grape consumption reduces oxidative stress and benefits certain age-related biomarkers linked to macular degeneration.
Macular degeneration occurs in the eye’s macula, the central part of the retina, and generally occurs in people over 50. The condition makes it difficult for people to see things directly in front of them — although they can see things not centrally located.
The study results were recently published in the journal Food & Function. It was funded by the California Table Grape Commission, which played no role in its implementation, analysis, or interpretation of data.
The study involved 34 participants divided into two groups.
Over the course of 16 weeks, one group consumed the equivalent of 1.5 cups each day of table grapes in the form of freeze-dried table grape powder. (Using grape powder allowed for more precise portion control.)
The remaining individuals served as a control group, consuming a placebo powder instead.
Every four weeks, the researchers measured participants’ macular pigment optical density (MPOD) — lower density in the macula increases the risk of macular degeneration.
The researchers also observed how grapes impacted the accumulation of AGEs, an acronym for “advanced glycation end products,” measured in the skin.
At 16 weeks, the researchers observed a significant improvement in…
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