14 DAY TRIAL // A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Manchester found that spinach does not only make legendary character Popeye muscular, but the vegetable also preserves his eyesight intact and keeps him from blindness. Along with spinach, other vegetables such as broccoli, sweetcorn and kale are laden with a natural pigment called lutein.
The lutein compound, which is actually a pigment occurring naturally in plants, mixes with another natural compound called zeaxanthin carotenoid and forms a yellow substance present in the central point of the retina, known as the macula. The yellow, oily substance to be met in the macula of vegetable consumers is called macular pigment and prevents people from developing AMD (age-related macular degeneration.)
Dr Ian Murray, who leads the research in Manchester's Faculty of Life Sciences explained: "The macula is a small area of the retina responsible for seeing detail and colour in our central field of vision. Our work has already found strong evidence to suggest that macular pigment provides some protection against AMD but we want to discover whether eating vegetables rich in these chemicals will have a direct impact on the disease."
The green pigment in fruits and vegetables is given by lutein. Previous studies also showed that the lutein compound improves eyesight, the bone system and also the teeth, protects and prevents our organism from cancer. Lutein is found in green vegetables and fruits, such as: cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, endives, asparagus, spinach, nettles, kiwi fruits, green apples, beans, peas, parsley, pepper grass, green tea etc.
The current study led buy the Manchester team found that lutein is present all throughout our body, but it is very concentrated in the macula of the eyes. That is why it significantly inhibits the risk of developing macular degeneration of the eyes and is much recommended for individuals who have eye problems and also for the ones that make extensive use of their visual ability. For example, people that are over-exposed to sun rays or computer screens on a regular basis.
"Since macular pigment is wholly derived from our diet we would expect that eating foods containing high levels of these compounds increases macular pigment and so helps slow the degenerative process. This latest study on volunteers with early-stage AMD will test that idea," pointed out Dr. Murray.