Orange Daily Prevents Macular Degeneration
Author: Leticia Celentano
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Orange is rich in vitamins, potassium, calcium, magnesium and is considered an antioxidant that protects against degenerative diseases
People who regularly eat oranges are less likely to develop blindness, say researchers at the University of Sydney. Macular degeneration is a disease that affects the central part of the retina (macula). Although central vision is impaired, peripheral vision is preserved.
Dr. Bamini Gopinat, a professor of epidemiology, says people who eat at least one orange a day are less at risk for macular degeneration. Even a weekly consumption of a portion of oranges is beneficial, he said.
Macular degeneration is related to age and occurs as a result of aging of the body after 60-65 years. It interferes with the perception of objects, faces, distorted lines when reading, lacks a sense of color and can make driving difficult.
The Westmayde Institute for Medical Research team evaluated data from more than 2,856 Australian adults at age 49 over a 15-year period.
The data are taken from one of the largest epidemiological studies in the world - Blue Mountains Eye Study . These include information on patients' lifestyles and illnesses. The results show that daily consumption of oranges reduces the risk of macular degeneration by 60% even 15 years later.
The facts are also based on previous studies that show that vitamins A, E and C are good for the eyes. They focus on the relationship between flavonoids and macular degeneration.
Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants found in most fruits and vegetables and have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-allergic properties.
The effect of other foods with flavonoids such as apples and red wine has also been studied, but it has been found that they do not protect the eyes as much as oranges.
Previous research has also shown that foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, lutein, vitamin C and E can prevent macular degeneration and cataracts . Such foods are: spinach, cabbage, fruits, salmon, tuna, eggs, nuts, beans, oysters and pork.
In addition to flavonoids, beta-carotene and vitamins, orange is rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium. Thus, it is considered an antioxidant that protects the cardiovascular system , prevents degenerative and cancer diseases.
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