Leafy vegetables could help against cataracts

A study suggests that certain antioxidants found in spinach and greens seem to protect against catar…

A study suggests that certain antioxidants found in spinach and greens seem to protect against cataract.

Around 20 million people in the USA suffer from cataract – a clouding of the eye lens that is linked to oxidative stress. This occurs with age as the lens is exposed to pollution and ultraviolet radiation. Cataract can lead to visual loss, although it can be treated by replacing the clouded lens.

A team at Ohio State University reveals that lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants found in green leafy vegetables, can protect cataract. They exposed eye lens cells to ultraviolet after treatment with either antioxidant or vitamin E. All the antioxidants could protect from the radiation-linked damage that might cause cataract, but lutein and zeaxanthin were better at this than vitamin E. So if you want to protect your vision, it may make sense to step up your intake of kale, spinach and greens.