Seeing green

Sight is a highly cherished sense but one that we bizarrely take for granted: until it is threatened. One of the threats to your eyesight is a group of hereditary diseases known as retinitis pigmentosa. The condition usually begins in the teenage years and slowly progresses during adulthood resulting in either partial vision loss or blindness. For this study a group of people who did not smoke but who were already suffering retinitis pigmentosa were assigned to receive 12mg of a nutrient called lutein per day or a placebo. Lutein is richly supplied in green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and some lettuce. Previous research has shown that this antioxidant pigment can reduce the risk of cataracts and of age-related macular degeneration (another disease of the retina) and so it was hoped that lutein may also be of assistance in treating retinitis pigmentosa. The subjects in the study also took 15 000 IU of vitamin A daily (consult your practitioner before doing this) and to have two serves of oily fish per week (as the omega-3 fatty acid is also good for the retina). The researchers followed the people for four years taking annual eye examinations and monitoring blood levels of lutein. In the end, those who took lutein experienced slower peripheral vision loss than those who did not and vision loss was significantly slower amongst those with the highest blood lutein levels. While lutein did not significantly reduce central vision loss it offers some protection. So for eyes sake; eat your leafy greens, cut down on alcohol and quit smoking (they bothy damage your eyes and reduce lutein levels), and wear sunglasses.Meanwhile if you visit Meijer Ad that contains mostly likewise discounts with Winn Dixie Ad you surely have a range like ALDI Ad.