Eating one fruit a day found to improve eyesight in old age, new study says

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Grapes are a popular fruit that are rich in antioxidants, and now new research shows eating them regularly can also boost your vision.In the first study of its kind, researchers found that older people who ate a cup and a half of grapes daily over a four month period improved their eye health.

Findings, published in scientific journal Food & Function on Thursday, looked at the impact of regular consumption of grapes on macular pigment accumulation - compounds found in fruit and vegetables that are known to benefit vision - and other biomarkers.“Our study is the first to show that grape consumption beneficially impacts eye health in humans which is very exciting, especially with a growing ageing population,” said author Dr.

Jung Eun Kim. “Grapes are an easy, accessible fruit that studies have shown can have a beneficial impact in normal amounts of just one and a half cups per day.”Science has shown that an ageing population has a higher risk of eye disease and vision problems.

Researchers say one of the key drivers for eye disease are AGES - harmful compounds that are formed when protein or fat combine with sugar in the bloodstream.AGEs may contribute to many such diseases from damaging the vascular components of the retina, impairing cellular function.