Your health can benefit from eating nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables daily. No single fruit or vegetable provides all of the nutrients you need to be healthy, so be sure to eat a wide variety of produce.
Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is associated with a decreased risk of certain diseases or health conditions, as stated by Health Canada, Harvard School of Public Health, Canadian Cancer Society, Dietitians of Canada and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The majority of Canadians do not meet the recommendation of eating 5 to 10 fruits and vegetables per day (1). Yet it is worth the effort to increase your daily intake.
Healthy Eating and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
What is macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a progressive condition involving the centre of the eye's retina, called the macula, and is the most prevalent and detrimental cause of vision loss in Canada (2)(3)(4). The most common form of macular degeneration is called “Age-Related Macular Degeneration†(AMD) because it occurs in people over the age of 55 (2).
- By the age of 75, one in four Canadians can expect to have some signs of AMD (3).
- Approximately two million people in Canada have AMD. This number is expected to grow with the large aging population (3).
There is no known cause for AMD (4). Some research indicates that people are more likely to develop AMD if they have a history of smoking, and some research suggests that a diet rich in leafy vegetables and nuts will decrease the risk of developing AMD (5). According to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (6), reducing the risk for AMD could include:
- Cigarette Smoking. The risk of developing vision loss is increased for tobacco smokers
- Diet. Include nuts, citrus fruits and leafy greens in your diet, which are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
- Eye Examinations. As you age; attention to eye health becomes vital. To maintain good vision and detect early symptoms of serious eye conditions it is necessary to have regular eye examinations, especially for those over 50.
What are the components in fruit and vegetables that may benefit eye health?
References
- Overview of Canadians Eating Habits 2004
http://www.statcan.ca/english/research/82-620-MIE/82-620-MIE2006002.pdf
- Harvard medical School
http://www.djo.harvard.edu/site.php?url=/patients/pi/405
- Canadian National Institute for the Blind
http://www.cnib.ca/en/your-eyes/eye-conditions/amd/the-eye/amd-challenge/Default.aspx
- Canadian National Institute for the Blind
http://www.cnib.ca/en/your-eyes/eye-conditions/amd/risk-factors/Default.aspx
- Harvard Medical School
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9039/24233/197416.html?d=dmtHealthAZ
- Canadian National Institute for the Blind
http://www.cnib.ca/en/your-eyes/eye-conditions/amd/risk-factors/Default.aspx