Saturday, March 19, 2011

Eye Protection

When it comes to cataracts, beta-carotene and plain old vitamin A may offer protection. Scientific research shows
that women with the highest beta-carotene and vitamin A intakes had a 39 percent lower risk of cataracts severe enough to require surgery than women getting the least beta-carotene and vitamin A. it is possible that both beta-carotene and vitamin A may help prevent oxidative damage to the lens. Vitamin a itself is not an antioxidant. But it's possible that people who get enough preformed vitamin A in their diets have more beta-carotene and other carotenoids available to act as antioxidants, since these compounds may be converted to vitamin A only as the body needs them. In other words, if you're taking in enough vitamin A, your body won't need to use up beta-carotene to make the vitamin for you. Vitamin-rich foods and nutrition are very important. Even though it's been found that carrots offer protection, it's also been found that a stronger protective effect comes from spinach, which doesn't contain as much beta-carotene but has antioxidant compounds such as lutein and zeaxanthin.

No comments:

Post a Comment