A recent study has revealed that consuming grapes regularly can have a positive impact on eye health in older adults. The study, the first of its kind, looked at the effects of grape consumption on macular pigment accumulation and other biomarkers of eye health. The results support previous research that showed grapes can protect retinal structure and function.
As the aging population faces an increased risk of eye diseases and vision problems, this study brings promising news. Factors such as oxidative stress and high levels of ocular advanced glycation end products (AGEs) contribute to the development of eye diseases. AGEs damage the retina’s vascular components, disrupt cellular function, and cause oxidative stress.
Dietary antioxidants play a crucial role in reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting the formation of AGEs. Grapes are a natural source of antioxidants and polyphenols, making them ideal for promoting eye health.
During the study, 34 participants consumed either grape supplements (equivalent to 1.5 cups of grapes per day) or a placebo over a span of 16 weeks. The group that consumed grapes experienced significant improvements in Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD), plasma antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic content. In contrast, the placebo group showed an increase in harmful AGEs.
Lead researcher Dr. Jung Eun Kim expressed excitement about the results, stating, “Our study is the first to show that grape consumption beneficially impacts eye health in humans, which is very exciting, especially with a growing aging population. Grapes are an easy, accessible fruit that studies have shown can have a beneficial impact in normal amounts of just 1.5 cups per day.”
This study provides further evidence of the potential benefits of grapes for promoting eye health. With the prevalence of eye diseases on the rise, incorporating grapes into one’s diet may prove to be a simple and effective way to maintain and improve eye health in older adults.
Source: California Table Grape Commission