Researchers from the National University of Singapore have shared some exciting news, especially for those who aren’t fans of carrots. It turns out that grapes are just as miraculous when it comes to improving vision.
The team conducted a “double-blind randomized” study involving 34 elderly participants. They were divided into two groups. For 16 consecutive weeks, participants in the first group consumed one and a half cups of grapes daily, while volunteers in the second group were given a placebo. Importantly, the participants were unaware of what they were consuming.
The main question for the scientists was whether the consumption of antioxidant-rich dietary products, particularly grapes, affects overall eye health. They assessed this based on indicators of oxidative stress and elevated levels of advanced glycation end products (AGE) in the eyes. These are key risk factors for eye diseases, as reported by the New York Post.
What the Researchers Discovered
It was found that participants who consumed grapes experienced a reduction in oxidative stress and an improvement in the optical density of the macular pigment in the retina, which protects the eyes from harmful blue light. Meanwhile, those who received the placebo showed a significant increase in AGE levels.
“Our study is the first to demonstrate the beneficial effects of grape consumption on eye health in older adults, especially in the context of a rapidly aging population,” noted Dr. Jung In Kim, a co-author of the research.
According to her, grapes are a simple and accessible plant-based food that, based on the researchers’ findings, can positively impact eye health. Consuming a “normal” amount of grapes—about two to three handfuls daily—could become a healthy habit that helps preserve vision for as long as possible.
The results of the study were published in the journal Food & Function.