Originally published July 7 2005
Risk of cataracts reduced by fruit and vegetable consumption
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Researchers for The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition have found fruit and vegetable consumption may have a "modest" protective effect against cataracts, reports Web MD.
"High intake of fruits and vegetables may have a modest protective effect" against cataracts, they write.
They're cloudy, painless areas of the eye's lens that block the passage of light to the retina, the nerve layer at the back of they eye.
Average daily intake was six servings of fruits and vegetables (two of fruit and four of veggies).
The "modest" advantage wasn't changed by smoking status or other cataract risk factors, says the study.
It merely looked to see who developed the condition during the follow-up period.
The women who ate a lot of produce also tended to be healthier in other ways (such as getting more exercise and having eye exams).
"The possible beneficial effects of fruit and vegetables on the risk of many chronic diseases, including cataract, have a strong biological basis and warrant the continued recommendation to increase total intakes of fruits and vegetables," says the study.
The CDC recommends eating five to nine servings per day of fruits and vegetables.
Fresh, frozen, canned, and dried produce count.
So does 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice, says the CDC.
Sorry, but deep-fried items (like french fries) and fatty or sugary sauces probably aren't the best staples in terms of health.
Remember to wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly in water, says the CDC.
Start thinking of fruits and vegetables as the original fast food.
--- Shop with your kids and let them pick out a new fruit or vegetable to try.
--- Make "trees" of broccoli chunks, "flowers" of carrots and cauliflower, and a "sun" of yellow squash.
--- Top a bowl of cereal with a smiley face of banana eyes, a raisin nose, and a mouth made from an orange slice.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml