Researchers at the National University of Singapore have some good news for people who don’t like carrots: grapes may be just as helpful for vision.
The team conducted a double-blind randomized study involving 34 older adults. They divided the participants into two groups. For 16 consecutive weeks, participants in the first group ate one and a half cups of grapes daily, while volunteers in the second group received a placebo. Importantly, participants did not know which treatment they were receiving.
The researchers wanted to know whether eating antioxidant-rich foods, especially grapes, affects overall eye health. They measured indicators of oxidative stress and levels of advanced glycation end products (AGE) in the eyes. These markers are known risk factors for eye diseases, the New York Post reported.
What the Researchers Discovered
Participants who ate grapes showed reduced oxidative stress and improved macular pigment optical density in the retina, which helps protect the eyes from harmful blue light. Meanwhile, the placebo group showed a significant increase in AGE levels.
“Our study is the first to demonstrate the beneficial effects of grape consumption on eye health in older adults, especially in the context of a rapidly aging population,” said Dr. Jung In Kim, a co-author of the research.
She said grapes are a simple, accessible plant-based food that, based on the findings, can improve eye health. Eating a normal amount of grapes—about two to three handfuls daily—could become a healthy habit to help preserve vision for as long as possible.
The results of the study were published in the journal Food & Function.
