The SuperFoods Spinach in the Eyes
Spinach in the Eyes |
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 Table of Contents Here’s what we know about macular degeneration or AMD. The macula of the eye is responsible for central vision – the type we need for close work like writing and sewing as well as distinguishing distant objects and color. Unfortunately, as many as 20% of all 65 year olds show at least some early evidence of age-related macular changes. By age 90, about 60% of Caucasians will be affected by AMD and close to 100% of centenarians reportedly have this leading cause of age-related vision loss. Worse yet, there is no effective treatment for AMD. The good news is that nutrition can play an important role in preventing AMD. Among the carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin are most strongly associated with a decreased risk for AMD. Spinach and its sidekick green leafies, are important players in preventing macular degeneration because of their rich supply of the carotenoids lutein/zeaxanthin and, coupled with dietary marine-based omega 3 fatty acids, they can offer a powerful reduction of our risk for AMD. It’s interesting that all of the lutein and a significant percentage of the zeaxanthin found in the macular come from the diet, thus reinforcing the prescription to eat the best sources of lutein – spinach and kale – regularly. For those who just can’t do green leafies or fish, the DHA eggs found in virtually every market supply very bioavailable amounts of lutein, zeaxanthin and DHA.
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What is a “Super Food”? Well, the most important thing for everyone to know is that superfoods are easy to find in every local supermarket. They’re worth looking for! These nutritional powerhouse foods are loaded with nutrients crucial to a healthy, long life. If you can include a variety of them in your diet, everyday, we promise they will change your life! These foods were chosen because they contain high concentrations of crucial nutrients, as well as the fact that many of them are low in calories. Foods containing these nutrients have been proven to help prevent and, in some cases, reverse the well-known effects of aging, including cardiovascular disease, Type II Diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers. When you click on each superfood you’ll find information including a list of the primary nutrients that elevated them to superfood status. This is not meant to be a complete list of every single nutrient that food contains, but rather, a list of the high-profile nutrients that have shown health benefits and that are present in that food in sufficient quantity to make a difference. Many of the superfoods have “Sidekicks”. These are foods that are generally in the same category as the flagship superfood and offer a similar nutrient profile. So click around and find recipes and tips on how to incorporate these foods in your daily diet. SUPERFOODSRX PRINCIPLES: Principle 1: SuperFoodsRx- the best diet in the world Principle 2: Super Foods are whole foods Principle 3: SuperFoods Rx equals synergy Principle 4: SuperFoods Rx are simple and positive |
