Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Macular Degeneration


Health e-Tips

According to the results of a recent US survey, the health threat most people are worried about, next to cancer, is losing their sight. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 55, and by the age of 65 it’s estimated that as many as one in four of us in the UK may begin to show signs of having the condition.

AMD gradually destroys a person's sharp, central vision, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as reading or driving. But the good news is that it's a disease that can be prevented, and you can start by getting adequate omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.

One recent study found that eating mackerel, salmon, or other fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids is an important way to reduce your risk of developing AMD. Researchers at the University of Sydney studied 2,900 people for five years and found that those who ate at least one serving per week of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids could cut their risk of developing AMD by as much as 40 percent.
Upping your fish intake to twice a week could help you reduce your risk by another 45 percent, according to research conducted at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

It's important to balance your intake of omega-3 fatty acids with omega-6 fatty acids: Consuming too much omega-6 fatty acids will diminish the effectiveness of omega-3s.

The Massachusetts-led study also found that smoking raises the risk of age-related
macular degeneration.
________________________________________________________________
Peter Charalambos is a contributing writer for many information sites. He writes for health sites, sports sites, financial and business sites and of course sites of a general nature. As a retired gentleman he is happy to offer his knowledge and experience for the benefit of individuals and communities alike.. Many of the articles on these subjects are written for
Vitaminfo.co.uk and MyHealthArticles.co.uk and a new site to be up soon, MySportsArticles.com
_________________________________________________________________
Note: Attn E-zine editors and Site owners.Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your e-zine or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above. Also, kindly advise us where and when it will be published.

No comments: