An apple a day might keep the doctor away, but what might grapes do for your eye health? As it turns out, quite a lot!
A New Fruit For Eye Health?
At a recent conference of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, a group from the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami presented compelling new research into the possible ocular benefits of eating grapes!
Grapes have been long known for their anti-oxidant properties, as well as being an anti-inflammatory, which has given people a lot of good reason to believe that grapes may be good for the eyes. However, this study is one of the first to set out to prove that connection.
Using mice, they tested the effects of grapes on the rodents’ eye health over time. One group was fed three servings of grapes a day, along with their regular food, while two other groups were given grape-less control meals. Over time, their vision was tested.
The results were impressive: The grape-fed mice suffered far less retinal degeneration over time, averaging three times the photoreception as the control groups. They also had thicker retinas – showing them to be more resistant to damage – and a healthier protein makeup within the eyes themselves.
It’s important to remember that while these results are quite positive, they do not necessarily mean that grapes will have the same effect on humans. Because our bodies and those of rodents tend to respond in similar ways, it’s very likely that similar effects will be found in people. However, until that research actually happens, the link between grapes and human eye health cannot be stated conclusively.
So, while we can’t tell you officially that you can protect your eyes with grapes, it looks pretty likely. Moreover, since grapes are provably delicious, this is just one more reason to add them to your diet!
Want more eye health tips? Contact your Phoenix optometrist for more information.
