A new study offers good news to those who want to improve their vision but do not like carrots. According to the study, grapes could be good for eye health as well.
Grapes For Better Vision
Scientists from Singapore have discovered the eye health benefits that come with eating grapes. Their study centered on the question regarding whether the consumption of foods that are rich in antioxidants could directly affect one's overall eye health. They measured general eye health by examining oxidative stress signs, particularly high ocular AGE (advanced glycation end products) levels, which have been previously linked to different eye conditions.
The study covered an experiment that was participated by 34 adults who consumed either one and a half cups of grapes each day or a placebo snack. They had to consume the grapes or the placebo for 16 weeks straights.
The methods were randomized and double-blind. Because of this setup, both the researchers and the participants did not know if they were eating the grapes or the placebo.
Later on, the researchers, who are from the National University of Singapore, observed that participants who consumed grapes exhibited better antioxidant abilities and macular pigment in their retina, which helps with eye protection against blue light.
On the other hand, those who consumed the placebo saw AGE increases.
Dr. Jung Eun Kim, an author of the study, notes that consuming normal quantities of grapes, which is roughly two to three handfuls, each day could help with longer vision preservation.
Dr. Kim explains that their study is the first to reveal that eating grapes could benefit human eye health, adding that the discovery is exciting especially since the aging population is growing.
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Take Care of Your Eye Health
Eye health should not be taken for granted, so it is vital to exert some effort to take good care of one's eyes. As exemplified in the recent study, eating good food, including grapes and carrots, is one way to boost eye health. What one eats on an everyday basis could significantly affect eye health.
Aside from that, for those who regularly face the screen, it is important to take breaks every once in a while. Prolonged exposure to screens may lead to dry eyes, neck and shoulder pain, eye strain, headaches, blurry vision, or even computer vision syndrome. It is generally recommended that for every 20 minutes of screen exposure, one must stare for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away.
One should also avoid eye rubbing. Aside from possibly causing blurry vision, inflammation, light or eye sensitivity, or headaches, eye rubbing may also lead to possible bacterial or viral infections in the eye. It may lead to the famous pink eye, or conjunctivitis. Rather than rubbing the eyes, one can utilize saline or eye drops for eye cleaning and moisture.
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