Improve eyesight in old age by eating one fruit every day, scientists suggest

The start of a new year sees many people vow to live a healthier lifestyle and research shows that eating more of one fruit can boost health in a big way.

Grapes are a tasty fruit full of antioxidants and it turns out that they can benefit eyesight, particularly in older people. In a pioneering study, academics found that elderly age groups who ate a cup and a half of grapes daily over a month saw their vision improve.

Science has shown that an aging population is at a higher first for eye disease and other sight problems. As such, it is important to do everything to keep the vital organs in optimum health - including eating the right foods.

Findings, published in scientific journal Food & Function, are based on the looked at the impact of the regular consumption of grapes on various biomarkers including a compound called macular pigments. Found in fruits and vegetables, these pigments accumulate and protect the eye through its ability to filter out phototoxic blue light.

“Our study is the first to show that grape consumption beneficially impacts eye health in humans which is very exciting, especially with a growing ageing population,” said author Dr. Jung Eun Kim. “Grapes are an easy, accessible fruit that studies have shown can have a beneficial impact in normal amounts of just one and a half cups per day.”

Researchers say one of the key drivers for eye disease in older people are AGES - harmful compounds that are formed when protein or fat combine with sugar in the bloodstream. AGEs may contribute to many such diseases from damaging the vascular components of the retina and impairing cellular function.

Dietary antioxidants can inhibit the formation of AGEs, possibly benefiting the retina, such as an improvement in Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD), an important measure of vision health.

As well as being a rich source of vitamin C, grapes are high in antioxidants called phenolic compounds, with studies showing these to benefit the body's defences. These include as anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities.

To come to conclusions, researchers conducted a randomized human study on 34 participants who ether ate grapes - one and a half cups per day - or a placebo for 16 weeks. The grape eaters showed a significant increase in MPOD.

They also exhibited improved plasma antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content compared to those on the placebo. Those who didn’t consume grapes saw a significant increase in harmful AGEs, as measured in the skin.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.