| | | Fish for eyes

From WikiVerde

Fish Feeds Your Eyes

The simplest way to take care of your eyes may be to eat more oily fish. Studies have recently shown that the omega-3 fatty acids contained in seafood can decrease the risk of two common eye diseases: dry eye syndrome and macular degeneration.

DHA or docosahexenoic acid, the type of omega-3 found in seafood is thought to improve eye development because DHA is an essential fatty acid found naturally in the retina and the brain. A deficiency in DHA may be one cause of these two eye problems.

Dry Eye Syndrome Dry eye syndrome occurs when the oily layer of the tear film is deficient leading to evaporative tear loss. Scarring of the cornea can occur in those who suffer from this nasty complaint. Dry eye syndrome is more common in women than men.

A study of more than 37,000 women conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women's Health Hospital and the Schepens Eye Research Institute, which are both in Boston, found that women who consumed the highest levels of omega-3 reduced their risk of DHS by 20 percent. Eating five to six servings of tuna, a fish rich in fatty oils, per week reduced their risk compared with those who ate one serving per week by 60 percent.

Macular Degeneration The risk of macular degeneration which is the deterioration of the central part of the retina and is the leading cause of blindness in adults may also be lessened by eating oily fish. The National Eye Institute conducted a study of more than 4000 people over 60 and under 80. Those who ate fish more than twice a week halved their risk of getting macular degeneration.

BEST SOURCES

The best sources of omega-3 are oily fish, such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines. Other foods which contain omega-3 fatty acids include cod-liver oil, flaxseed oil and walnuts. MERCURY There has recently been much concern about high levels of mercury in fish. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and mothers of children under six need to ask their doctor about this and might be better advised to take supplements. However, DHA may lead to better eye development in very young children.

OTHER BENEFITS

DHA is also important for the development of the brain and studies have shown that fish is good for the brain as well as the eyes. Other possible benefits include lowering the risk of heart disease, lowering the risk of depression, and helping those with eczema and asthma.