(HealthDayNews) --Eating plenty of leafy dark green vegetables may help you see your way to
preventing cataracts.
An Ohio State University study offers the first laboratory evidence that two
antioxidants -- lutein and zeaxanthin -- in dark green leafy vegetables such as
spinach, kale and collard greens can help prevent cataracts. Previous research
had suggested these two antioxidants benefit the eyes.
In this new study, researchers found that lutein and zeaxanthin helped
protect human eye lens cells from exposure to ultraviolet light, a leading cause
of cataracts.
Lutein and zeaxanthin were nearly 10 times more powerful than vitamin E in
protecting the lens cells from UV damage, the study found.
The research appears in the current issue of the Journal of
Nutrition.
"Along with the many environmental, lifestyle and genetic risk factors
associated with cataracts, exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and
oxidative stress appear to be the most relevant in this disease," study
co-author Joshua Bomser, an assistant professor of nutrition, said in a prepared
statement.
"Our results are the first to provide physical evidence suggesting that
lutein and zeaxanthin decrease damage caused by ultraviolet radiation," Bomser
said.
More information:
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has more about cataracts (www.medem.com
).
