Food As Medicinesm News:

October 19, 2007

Seeing is Believing: Nutrient in zucchini lowers risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Share this article.

Zucchini's gorgeous deep green hue isn't the only thing that pleases the eye. It also fights age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of legal blindness among people age 55 and over.

As more and more Baby Boomers approach the "speed limit" age threshold, the number of people diagnosed with macular degeneration is expected to increase dramatically. Macular degeneration causes vision loss in the center of the eye, leaving only peripheral vision.

The good news is its advance can be prevented. Research conducted by the National Eye Institute concluded that a higher intake of lutein significantly reduces risk for the advance of macular degeneration. Zucchini is loaded with lutein and xeaxanthin to help protect vision, probably by absorbing blue light that could damage the macula.

Get more lutein into your diet:

An enjoyable way to get more lutein into your diet—along with vitamin C and whole grain—is this delicious ChefMD™-approved recipe for quinoa-stuffed whole zucchini with cheese. It's a terrific dish, and you'll be able to see the health benefits for years to come. Enjoy!

Click here for ChefMD® recipe

Click here for original research article

Click here to see more ChefMD® recipes

Comment on Seeing is Believing: Nutrient in zucchini lowers risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Add a Comment