Pigments found in pumpkin, corn, egg yolks and some leafy green vegetables were found to reduce the risk of AMD for women under 75 years old. The pigments lutein and zeaxanthin in particular were found to reduce the risk possibly by absorbing blue light that can damage the back of the retina.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin examined the diets of 1,787 women 50 to 79 years old and took blood samples and color photos of their retinas. Women under 75 with diets high in yellow veggie pigments were found to have a lower risk of developing intermediate-stage AMD. However, the researchers could only prove a weak link between the pigments and advanced-stage AMD.
"This exploratory observation is consistent with a broad body of evidence from observational and experimental studies that suggest that these carotenoids (pigments) may protect against AMD," the researchers wrote.
"These findings further demonstrate the healing potential of plant-based medicine provided by nature," explained Mike Adams, a holistic nutritionist and creator of the Honest Food Guide. "Each color found in fruits and vegetables is actually a different medicine. While yellows and oranges are wonderful for nervous system protection, blues and greens offer anti-cancer benefits and cardiovascular protection. To be healthy and avoid disease, eat natural foods containing all the colors of the rainbow."
AMD is one of the leading causes of blindness in older people, but no cure has been found and those who develop the disease -- caused by deterioration of the back of the retina -- have only limited treatment options to slow its advancement. The researchers hope to find more conclusive evidence of the link in upcoming long-term, larger studies.
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