If your eyesight is starting to fail as you get older, start eating some pistachios every day.
The nuts contain lutein, an antioxidant that protects the eyes against age-related damage. It also helps increase the eye’s macular pigment optical density (MPOD), which filters blue light from sunlight, smartphones and computer screens.
Eating just 2 ounces (57 grams) of pistachios every day increases MOPD levels, say researchers from Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science. Levels rose ‘significantly’ in just 12 weeks, but started to rise after just six weeks, and this reduced the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common cause of blindness in the elderly.
Pistachios are the only nut that contain lutein, and a 2-ounce serving produces around 1.6 mg of lutein, which is double the average amount consumed by Americans. It’s also in dark leafy vegetables, such as kale, spinach and broccoli, and in egg yolks.
Lutein may also improve brain health. “Lutein crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation,” said Elizabeth Johnson, one of the researchers.
Lutein accumulates in the eyes and brain, where it could reduce cognitive decline. Other studies have shown that higher lutein levels help improve cognitive performance, including better memory and processing speed.
Stay Healthy,
Janice