Eating grapes may benefit the eye health of the elderly

Eating grapes may benefit the eye health of the elderly




In a recent randomized, controlled human study, grape consumption for 16 weeks improved key markers of eye health in older adults. Research published in the scientific journal Food & Function looked at the effects of regular grape consumption  on macular pigment accumulation and other biomarkers of eye health.

This is the first human study on the topic, and the results reinforce previous preliminary studies showing that grape consumption protects the structure and function of the retina.

Dr. Jung Eun Kim said: “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-to-find, accessible fruit that studies show can have a beneficial impact with a normal intake of just 1 ½ cups per day.”

Science has shown that the aging population is at higher risk of eye diseases and vision problems. The main risk factors for eye diseases are oxidative stress and elevated levels of ocular advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs may contribute to many eye diseases by damaging the vascular components of the retina, impairing cellular function and causing oxidative stress.

Dietary antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress and inhibit AGE formation, which has beneficial effects on the retina, such as improving macular pigment optical density (MPOD). ). Grapes are a  source of natural antioxidants and other polyphenols.

In this new study, 34 human subjects consumed  grapes (equivalent to 1 ½ cups of grapes per day) or a placebo for 16 weeks. Grape eaters showed  significant increases in MPOD, plasma antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic content compared to those given placebo. People who did not eat grapes saw a significant increase in harmful EFAs, measured on the skin.

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