Sacred Indian Secret Protects Eyesight
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a terrifying chronic eye disease. It affects the macula, a small area located in your eye’s retina.
AMD slowly steals your vision, blurring or blacking out everything in the center of your visual field. It’s the leading cause of blindness in those over 60 in the USA.
More than 200,000 cases of AMD are diagnosed in the United States every year. But you don’t have to be one of them. In fact, new research reveals an ancient Indian secret could dramatically protect your eyesight.
Could the same spice that gives curry its golden color help protect your vision as you age?
According to groundbreaking new research, the answer might be yes.
Scientists have discovered that curcumin, the active ingredient in the ancient Indian spice turmeric, could significantly protect against age-related vision loss.
Many of us may face AMD as we age. The disease affects the macula, a small but crucial part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision.
For people over 50, it’s the number one cause of irreversible vision loss.
However, a massive new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology has revealed some exciting findings about curcumin’s potential to protect our eyes.
Researchers looked at nearly two million people, comparing those who took curcumin supplements with those who didn’t. The folks taking curcumin supplements were 77 percent less likely to develop the most common form of macular degeneration.
We even have a good idea of why this works.
You see, curcumin is a natural inflammation fighter and an antioxidant which helps to shield your cells from damage and premature aging. These properties make it particularly valuable for protecting delicate eye tissues and preserving vision.
The numbers from the study are impressive:
- People taking curcumin were 72 percent less likely to develop the wet form of AMD
- Their risk of blindness dropped by 54 percent
- They were 85 percent less likely to need special eye injections to manage the condition
However, before you rush to the supplement store, there are a couple of things to consider. While these findings are exciting, keep in mind this research can only highlight a connection.
In other words, it’s not definitive proof that curcumin prevents AMD.
More research is needed to understand precisely how curcumin works and what doses might be most effective. However, these findings offer hope for a natural approach to protecting our vision as we age.
Curcumin is a safe nutrient with many benefits beyond vision support. You can boost your intake by making turmeric a regular addition to your meals. It goes well in everything from main-course meat dishes to veggie sides. And, of course, supplements are available.
Remember, a holistic approach to eye health is best. To support better vision, eat a whole-foods anti-inflammatory diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking.
P.S. Ditch the eye drops for this natural “dry eyes” FIX!
Source:
Alsoudi AF, Wai KM, Koo E, Mruthyunjaya P, Rahimy E. Curcuma-Based Nutritional Supplements and Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. JAMA Ophthalmol. Published online October 24, 2024.