BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhuanet) -- Two nutrients,
lutein and zeaxanthin, found in eggs, spinach and other leafy green vegetables
offer some protection against the most common cause of blindness among the
elderly, media reported Thursday.
A 6-year study in U.S. asked about the dietary habits
of 4,519 people aged 60 to 80 when enrolled.
Those in the top fifth of dietary consumption of
foods containing the two nutrients had 35 percent less chance of developing the
condition compared to those in the lowest fifth of consumption.
"Lutein and zeaxanthin may be considered as useful
agents in food or supplement-based interventions designed to reduce the risk of
AMD," said the researchers.
Lutein and zeaxanthin help ward off the condition,
apparently by allowing the eyes to filter harmful short-wavelength light and by
curtailing other damaging effects to the macula, or the center of the eye's
retina.
"No clear associations with other nutrients were
seen," including the vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, according to the
researchers, led by John Paul SanGiovanni of the National Eye Institute, one of
the National Institutes of Health in Maryland, U.S.
Foods considered good sources of the nutrients
include eggs, spinach, kale, turnip greens, collard greens, romaine lettuce,
broccoli, zucchini, corn, garden peas and Brussels sprouts.
(Agencies)
