Eating certain foods may ward off blindness

Researchers have recently concluded that two nutrients found in eggs, spinach, and other leafy green vegetables can offer protection against age-related macular degeneration. The nutrients, lutein and zeaxanthin, are carotenoids, compounds that give many fruits and vegetables a yellow color.

The 6-year study tracked the dietary habits of more than 4500 persons aged 60-80. Those who were in the top fifth of dietary consumption of foods containing the two nutrients had a 35% decrease in the chance of developing age-related macular degeneration when compared to those in the lowest fifth of consumption. No other nutrients showed clear associations.

Food sources considered to be good sources of the two nutrients include eggs, spinach, kale, turnip greens, collard greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, zucchini, corn, garden peas and Brussels sprouts.