A recent study conducted by researchers at the National University of Singapore has found that grapes may have a positive impact on eye health, specifically on the structure and function of the retina. As people age, the risk of eye diseases and vision problems increases significantly. Oxidative stress and high levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the eye are the main factors contributing to eye diseases and a decline in vision. Antioxidants found in food have been shown to reduce oxidative stress, which can increase the optical density of the macular pigment (MPOD) and have other positive effects on the retina. Grapes are known to contain antioxidants and other polyphenols, making them a potential candidate for improving eye health.
The study involved 34 participants who were randomly assigned to either consume grapes or a placebo for four weeks. The grape-eating group showed a significant increase in MPOD, plasma oxidation capacity, and total phenol content compared to those who received the placebo. Those who did not eat grapes experienced a significant increase in harmful AGEs, as measured on the skin. This study is the first to show that consuming grapes can have a positive impact on eye health in humans, which is particularly exciting given the growing aging population.
According to Dr. Jung Eun Kim, the lead researcher on the study, “grapes are an easily accessible fruit that studies have shown to have positive effects even in normal amounts.” This research provides further evidence of the potential health benefits of grapes and highlights the importance of a healthy diet in maintaining eye health, especially as people age.
