Macular Degeneration in over 50s can be prevented with omega-3s

We've all heard of older people who have developed cataracts or become blind due to advancing age. However, the good news is that age-related Macular Degeneration is not at all inevitable. In fact it has been found from research that it is to at least some extent preventable by maintaining a healthy diet with eye-friendly vitamins and minerals and that Omega 3s found in oily fish and some vegetable sources may help to prevent age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in the over 50s.

Recently, two studies published in the Archives of OPhthalmology have shown that a diet rich in omega-3 fats and correspondingly low in unhealthy transfats reduces the risk for AMD, which greatly affects central vison and is a leading cause of blindness among those over 65.

There are various risk factors associated with this distressing condition which include genetics, smoking, diabetes and high blood pressure.

The results of the research hold very exciting implications for the optical health of older people. At the University of Sydney researchers conducted an examination of more than 2,400 adults over 49 years of age. It was found that those people who consumed weekly portions of fish in addition to 1-2 servings of nuts had a 30 to 35 per cent lower risk of developing AMD. Both nuts, especially walnuts, and fish particularly the oily varieties such as mackerel and salmon are rich in omega 3-oils.

The second study, conducted by researchers from the Centre for Eye Research in Australia also studied the effects of consuming foods that are high in transfats which develop from artificially hardened fats and from frying foods in such oils. The respondents, aged 58 to 69, were interviewed to assess their diets and were tested for AMD. It was found that those who consumed a lot of transfats in their diet were more susceptible to AMD. Correspondingly those who took care to eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduced their risk for AMD.

These results give further encouragement to all aged over 50 to find out what is in our food and to eat fish and other sources of omega-3s. However, if you don't like fish or are vegetarian you can benefit from eating flaxseeds, English walnuts, leafy green vegetables, olive oil, pumpkin seeds and soybeans. Indeed a veggie diet is full of such oils - but if you do like fish you can have double the protection from AMD!

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