Study Shows Why Eating Fruits And Vegetables Is Good for Eyes

According to a new study, lutein - a pigment found in fruits and vegetables - can keep the eye healthy and lower chances of developing macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S.

Lutein helps by preventing the oxidation of fats in the macular region of the eye. The study was conducted by researchers from University of Georgia.

Researchers say that fruits and vegetables are a great source of this antioxidant.

The study involved 100 participants with an average age of 22.5 years and who had a body mass index of about 23.4 kg/m2, which according to CDC falls into normal weight status.

Researchers then measured total and regional fat of the participants along with the condition of the retina.

Study results showed that levels of adiposity (fat) affected the state of the retina. Researchers say that high fat levels may be driving macular degeneration in some people.

"For years people have forgotten that our brain, along with the rest of our bodies, is composed of our diet. Diet and exercise have a very big influence on how the brain ages and many other basic processes that encourage degeneration, and how our brain protects itself from that is by concentrating antioxidants like lutein in these particular areas," said Billy Hammond, a UGA professor in the brain and behavioral sciences program and a co-author of the study.

Previous research has shown that a diet rich in lutein and zeaxanthin can lower the risk of a type of cataract in older women.

"From protecting nervous tissue to preventing degenerative conditions in our brain and other organs, diet and vigorous exercise have by far the most influence on preventing late stage diseases as we age as well as making enormous changes to our biology right now," Hammond added, according to a news release.

The study can be read here.