A new study revealed that when it comes to foods that strengthen eyesight, it is not limited to carrots only, but grapes also provide wonderful results. According to the British newspaper The Independent, the study team said that much of the deterioration that occurs in the eye is due to oxidative stress, and that grapes contain a high percentage of antioxidants, which makes them highly effective in improving eyesight. The study was conducted by a team from the National University of Singapore, and included 34 adults who ate a cup and a half of grapes daily or a placebo for 16 weeks. At the end of the study, the team found that eating grapes significantly improved eye health, as participants who ate them showed a significant increase in macular optical pigment density (MPOD), and a significant increase in antioxidants in blood plasma. As for people who did not eat grapes at all, they saw a significant increase in eye-harming compounds called AGEs, according to the study. AGEs contribute to many eye diseases by damaging vascular components of the retina, impairing cellular function, and causing oxidative stress. “Grapes, which are a natural source of antioxidants, can reduce oxidative stress and prevent the formation of AGEs, while having potentially beneficial effects on the retina,” said Dr. Jong-Eun Kim, co-author of the study. “Our study is the first to show “Consuming grapes has a positive effect on eye health in humans, which is very exciting,” according to Asharq Al-Awsat. It is worth noting that a study published last year found that eating grapes for 16 weeks can increase the diversity of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, and it also reduces cholesterol levels in the blood.
