Guest guest Posted December 23, 2004 Report Share Posted December 23, 2004 " HSI - Jenny Thompson " <HSIResearch Chasing the Clouds Away Mon, 20 Dec 2004 09:20:42 -0500 Chasing the Clouds Away Health Sciences Institute e-Alert December 20, 2004 Dear Reader, The lens of your eye has two natural enemies: ultraviolet light, and oxygen free radicals. Both of these factors take their toll as we age. Free radicals can damage cell proteins that protect the retina, while a sunlight wavelength called ultraviolet-beta radiation (UVB) is believed to promote age- related cataract formation. Fortunately, there may be an easy way to reduce both UVB and free radical damage by putting dietary choices to work, along with key antioxidant supplements. --------------------------- Natural safeguards --------------------------- In a recent issue of the Journal of Nutrition, researchers from Ohio State University note that lutein and zeaxanthin are the only dietary carotenoids present in the lens of the eye. Some studies have indicated that a sufficient intake of these nutrients may protect the lens and reduce the risk of developing cataracts associated with aging. The Ohio team tested the preventive effects of lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E by applying them in various concentrations to human eye cells. The cells then received several seconds of exposure to UVB. After assessing damage to the cells, the researchers found that vitamin E reduced damage by about 30 percent, compared to cells that were not protected by any of the three nutrients. Meanwhile, lutein and zeaxanthin reduced damage by more than 50 percent, at concentrations that were far less than the vitamin E concentrations. The authors of the study state that their trial is the first to offer physical evidence that lutein and zeaxanthin may be able to reduce damage caused by UVB. --------------------------- Prevention crosses the barrier --------------------------- Lutein and zeaxanthin are key components of a phytochemical called xanthophylls, a powerful antioxidant that has the unique characteristic of being able to cross the blood brain barrier more easily than most other antioxidants. (The blood brain barrier is a protective mechanism designed to prevent infectious organisms and chemicals from entering the nervous system. This prevents illness from spreading to neurologically sensitive areas, but it also stops many beneficial substances from getting through and protecting those areas.) Good food sources of xanthophylls include corn, kiwi, red seedless grapes, orange-colored peppers, spinach, celery, Brussels sprouts, scallions, broccoli, and squash. And then there's the C effect. In the e-Alert " 76 Trombones " (8/7/03), I told you about a Tufts University study in which women who had taken daily vitamin C supplements for more than a decade were found to be 64 percent less likely to show signs of the opacification that leads to cataracts, compared to the women who took no vitamin C supplements at all. --------------------------- Reading the signs --------------------------- Almost half of all Americans will develop a significant cataract after age 75. So in addition to getting a good intake of xanthophylls-rich foods and supplements that can help protect the eyes from cataracts, it's important to be aware of these warning signs that are characteristic of cataract- clouding of the eye lens: * Cloudy or blurred vision * Excessive glare from bright lights * Double images or distorted images * A sense that colors aren't as vivid as they should be * Poor night vision * Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription In addition to aging, other high-risk factors for cataracts include smoking and diabetes. If you think you might be in danger of developing cataracts, look for a good supplement and a good eye doctor. ************************************************************** " Resist the temptation to photocopy parts of your anatomy. " That advice comes from the UK's Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), which sounds like something right out of a Monty Python skit. RoSPA recently offered some tips on how to throw a workplace holiday party that will not require any 911 calls, makeshift tourniquets or replacement glass for photocopy machines. Working with the Trades Union Congress (TUC), RoSPA officials came up with these suggestions: * Don't dance on desks or tables * To reduce the need for assistance from the fire department, don't light candles or serve flaming Christmas puddings * Serve non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol makes some people aggressive, and the party will be spoiled if it ends in a " punch-up " * Party balloons can trigger deadly reactions for those who are allergic to latex * Use step-ladders to hang decorations, not swivel chairs My favorite RoSPA/TUC safety tip is this one: Don't hang mistletoe. It could lead to sexual harassment. I couldn't help but picture Monty Python vet John Cleese playing the role of an apoplectic RoSPA inspector: " Egads! Mistletoe! " Roger Bibbings – RoSPA's Occupational Safety Adviser – told Reuters Health: " We are not being party poopers. " Hmm. No alcohol? No mistletoe? No flaming desserts? Sorry to break it to you, guys, but... you're party poopers. Now, somebody light the pudding! It's time to hop on swivel-chairs under the mistletoe! To Your Good Health, Jenny Thompson Health Sciences Institute ************************************************************** Sources: " Xanthophylls and {alpha}-Tocopherol Decrease UVB- Induced Lipid Peroxidation and Stress Signaling in Human Lens Epithelial Cells " Journal of Nutrition, Vol. 134, No. 12, December 2004, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov " Lutein and Zeaxanthin Help Prevent Cataracts " Life Extension Foundation, 12/3/04, lef.org " Warning: Christmas Parties Can Damage Your Health " Reuters Health, 12/13/04, reutershealth.com Copyright ©1997-2004 by www.hsibaltimore.com, L.L.C. The e-Alert may not be posted on commercial sites without written permission. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.