New study reveals that antioxidants such as vitamin E and lutein can reduce women's risk for cataracts
05.04.2008
Researchers found that there is close connection between consumption of antioxidants and incidence of cataracts. In the study, more than 35,000 women were followed for an average of 10 years. The findings of the study were published in the January issue of Archives of Ophthalmology.
After statistically adjusting for factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and body mass index, researchers found that women who consumed vitamin E reduced their risk for cataracts by 14 percent and those who consumed lutein reduced the risk by 18 percent.
Vitamin E is found profusely in vegetable oils, nuts, leafy green vegetables and whole grains. Fruits, corn, kale, spinach and other vegetables are great sources of lutein.
William Christen, epidemiologist and associate professor of medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, points out that the study was observational only. A randomized clinical trial is needed to prove conclusively that these compounds can prevent eye disease.
The study results indicate that antioxidants are beneficial for your health, Christian said. It is advisable that you eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.
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