Saturday, 5 July 2008

Eating oily fish reduces risk of eye disease

The Archives of Opthalmology has recently published evidence that eating foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids is associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Results showed there was a 38% reduction in risk of late AMD among people with a high intake of oily fish while eating fish twice a week was associated with a reduced risk of early and late AMD.

The nerves that feed the retina of the eye are largely made up of these long-chain omega-3 fatty acids says Urbod Nutritionist, Amanda Michie. Oily fish such as salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel should be eaten three times per week. Vegetarians should get their omega 3 intake from nuts and seeds and cold compressed oils such as flax oil.