Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that affects the central region of the retina (light-sensitive tissue at the rear end of our eye). AMD leads to a lack of vision sharpness and adversely affects tasks like driving, reading and recognizing faces. From the lack of a cure, there has been considerable interest in the use of modifiable risk factors to block or decrease the development of AMD. Evidence from population studies implies that those who own an eating plan with relatively significant levels of omega 3 fatty acids (such as those based on fish oils) are far not as likely to develop AMD.
How do Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Prevent Macular Degeneration?
Omega 3 Fatty acids are usually referred to as “most essential” fatty acids because humans do not have the ability to produce or synthesize them within their own body. Consequently, it becomes imperative for us to find these crucial fatty acids in the diet or supplements.
Omega-3 acids consists of three highly important acids for human eye:
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Lactic acid (ALA)
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Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and
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Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
Both DHA and EPA are long-chain omega 3 fatty acids, which protect against inflammatory, cognitive and age-related degenerative alterations. Furthermore, long-chain omega 3 acids, and particularly DHA, form a critical portion of their retina that is healthy.
Lifestyle & Macular Degeneration Diet
A great diet plan for dealing with AMD involves consuming lots of fruit and vegetables as well as reducing processed foods and processed sugar. One must attempt to consume fish (especially salmon) regularly (whenever possible), or in case that is not possible, it can be supplemented with a top dose high-quality omega3 fish oil.
Up to now, studies have suggested that higher saturated fat intake is associated with developing AMD. Nevertheless, the researches don’t identify between people eating ‘unhealthy’ saturated fat such as burgers, hot dogs and donuts and those eating more ‘healthy’ saturated fat — i.e grass-fed meats. But, moderation here is most likely the key here.
Numerous studies have shown that smoking is strongly associated with AMD so give it up! Also be certain you bring some exercise in your schedule. Both, giving up smoking and exercising will help weight loss if it’s required. It is going to even aid the cardiovascular system act as more efficient and also enhance blood flow into the eyes.
You can consider modifying your diet to eat more foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and contains a fewer amount of omega-6 fatty acids.
The best food sources of valuable omega-3 fatty acids are cold-water fish, that is full of both DHA and EPA. Other sources include sardines, herring, salmon and tuna. Wild-caught varieties usually are much better than “farmed” fish, which generally are susceptible to high amounts of chemicals and pollutants.
In case if you don’t like fish or are allergic to them, other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are as follows:
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Flax seeds
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Walnuts
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Flax seed oil, and
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Dark green leafy veggies.