Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration with This Super-Vitamin
Are you at risk for macular degeneration? The statistics don’t lean in your favor if you are over the age of 50. In fact, about 40,000 Americans each year are declared legally blind because of macular degeneration. But don’t give up hope! New studies indicate that the essential B vitamins can help prevent macular degeneration and the blindness in which it can result. Keep reading to find out more about this exciting new discovery. . .
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a condition of the eye which results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field because of damage to the retina. Macular degeneration generally affects individuals over the age of 50, although it has presented in those of younger years on occasion. This condition may result in blindness, and is actually one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly.
Macular Degeneration and B Vitamins
New evidence published in the New England Health Journal and on CNN suggests that B vitamins can help prevent this disease. While it has been long known that the B vitamins are helpful when it comes to maintaining a healthy immune system and also promoting positive emotional health, it is now apparent that the B vitamins can play an important part in preventing macular degeneration brought on by age.
The study looked at over 80 individuals who had macular degeneration, and found that 76 percent of this group admitted to not eating any greens on a regular basis or taking any supplements. A complementary study looked at those with good eyesight of the same age group and the reports indicated that they got a steady dose of Vitamin B supplements or regularly ate greens.
Another study looked at women who regularly got a regimen of B-6, B-12 and folic acid. These women reduced their risk of developing macular degeneration by more than one-third when compared to women taking a placebo.
Where Can You Get Your B Vitamins?
The B vitamins are found in vegetables, especially leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, cabbage, asparagus and other greens. Studies on these vitamins have indicated that they are helpful in staying fit both emotionally and physically. They boost your immune system and also give you energy.
Unfortunately, many people do not like to eat their greens and do not eat them on a regular basis. In order for the B vitamins to be effective in preventing age-related macular degeneration, they must be consumed regularly. If you do not like eating the foods that are rich in B vitamins, you can take a supplement that will help you attain the recommended daily amount.
Don’t Wait – Start Now to Fight Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a completely disabling condition and is a leading cause of blindness in older individuals. Scientists hope that the incidents of this condition will begin to decline as an increasing number of people become aware of what foods to eat to maintain good health, as well as the importance of taking vitamins.
So, if you want to avoid this disabling condition, start increasing your intake of B vitamins! You can do so either by eating foods that are rich in the B vitamins or taking a B vitamin supplement.