The link between diet and health is unquestionable.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States.
According to Mayo Clinic: “Glaucoma is not just one eye disease, but a group of eye conditions resulting in optic nerve damage, which may cause loss of vision. Abnormally high pressure inside your eye (intraocular pressure) usually, but not always, causes this damage.”
It is estimated that glaucoma will affect 80 million people by the year 2020. This disease can be slowed down when treated early. However, glaucoma is usually not detected until the late stages, and by then it is too late.
New research from JAMA shows that leafy green vegetables lower glaucoma risk.
These vegetables are a great source of compounds called nitrates, which are converted to nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide helps lower blood pressure, relaxes blood vessels, and improves blood flow. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for glaucoma.
“There’s also some evidence that nitric oxide signaling may be involved in maintaining low eye pressure,” states Dr. Joseph Mercola, a leading health expert and physician. “Adding more nitrate-rich veggies to your diet may therefore be a simple way to lower your risk of glaucoma.”
The researchers in the study analyzed data from over 100,000 adults. They found that the ones who had the most nitrate in their diets had a 21 percent lower risk of developing glaucoma.
The people who ate leafy greens like spinach and kale showed the most benefits.
The study showing that leafy green vegetables lower glaucoma risk was published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
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REFERENCES:
1. “Glaucoma.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 02 Oct. 2012. Web. 8 Feb. 2016.
2. “Eating More Green Leafy Vegetables May Lower Glaucoma Risk.” Mercola.com. Mercola.com, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2016.
3. “Dietary Nitrates and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.” JAMA Network. JAMA Network, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2016.
