Many people believe that carrots are the only source of food that have an important role in eye health. But do you wonder if, in fact, the grapes have a role no less important for eye health?

Recent research shows, the grapes have the ability to slow or prevent the onset of macular degeneration due to aging (age-related macular degeneration / AMD). Macular degeneration is a condition in which the macula, causing decreased visual acuity deteriorated and is likely to cause loss of central visual function.The macula is the most vital part of the retina that allows the eye to see fine details in the central visual field.

The researchers believe that antioxidants in wine tekandung work has a protective effect. The findings are published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine.

In their research, the researchers conducted experiments in mice fed a diet rich in antioxidants (grape). The researchers then analyzed the impact of changes in visual function mice, susceptible to damage in the retina.

The results showed that wine consumption provides a dramatic protective effect. A diet rich in grapes may prevent oxidative damage in rat retina and blindness.

“The protective effect of wine in this study is unique, offering vision benefits in old age, even if the wine is consumed at an early age,” said Silvia Finnemann PhD, Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, New York, as principal investigator.

Dr. Finnemann said these results show an association between increased age and decreased vision. ”Diet for life that is enriched with natural antioxidants such as wine, which seems to be a direct benefit to the health and functioning of the retina,” he said.

A diet rich in grapes may significantly reduce the accumulation of lipofuscin (oxidized fats triggers the aging process) and to prevent the retinal pigment epithelium oxidative damage (RPE), thus ensuring optimal function of the retina.
“Preserving the health of the eyes should be a major concern, along with increasing age. This is good news for consumers of all ages to enjoy the grapes, and these findings add to growing evidence that the wine offers a variety of health benefits, continued Kathleen Nave, president of the California Table Grape Commission.