Raise a glass of red for eye health - study

Stuff (New Zealand) ^ | 15 August 2005

[nickcarraway]

A study which shows moderate red wine drinkers have only half the risk of developing cataracts has been welcomed by New Zealand optometrists.

The Reykjavik Eye Study in Iceland followed the health and diet of a group of over-55-year-olds for a period of five years.

It examined the progression of age-related eye disease such as cataract, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.

Results showed non-drinkers and heavy drinkers of any sort of alcohol had a substantially increased risk for cataract development.

But moderate red wine drinkers - anything between two glasses a month to two or three glasses a day - showed only half the risk.

Drinking moderate amounts of spirits such as whisky or brandy also had a protective effect, just not as strong as red wine, the study's researchers said.

Beer drinkers, on the other hand, had an increased risk of developing cataracts.

AdvertisementAdvertisementThe New Zealand Association of Optometrists said today it had been urging people to "eat for eye health" in a bid to reduce eye disease in senior citizens.

"Healthy eating just got more attractive," the association's national director Lesley Frederikson said.

"People understand the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for reduced heart risk and now we find that it is good for your eyes as well."

Dr Frederikson recommended eating foods rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants; keeping fat intake low; and eating fish at least twice a week.

"Now we can add in a glass or two of red wine and still be eating healthy."

[johniegrad]

Thanks for the ping.

[StrangerInParadise]

"But moderate red wine drinkers - anything between two glasses a month to two or three glasses a day - showed only half the risk. "

Based on that, I am protected through the remainder of the 21st Century. I will begin work on the 2100's tonight!

[NautiNurse]

Attended a Pinot Noir tasting yesterday. Honestly, it was disappointing. Perhaps my tastes have changed, or there is a lot of mediocre Pinot Noir out there these days. Bought one bottle only (and my rule is to buy minimum two of any selection worthy of purchase). The rest of the purchase was spent on Shiraz, Zin, and Cab.

[VRWCmember]

A few years ago I was on a business trip to France. The first day there, we stopped at a little Chateaux for lunch and they served an outstanding red table wine. I thought we might have better wines later in the trip, but since this was the BEST wine I had ever tasted to that point, I bought a couple of bottles of it to take home with me. (As it turns out, the wine was from a local vinyard and was only sold to a couple of restaurants locally and not available in stores, so I was fortunate that I asked there.) Over the next few days, we had some very good wines and some very mediocre wines, but none that I enjoyed more than that first one. Thus, I was very glad I went ahead and bought my take-home souvenir wine the first day.

[RipSawyer]

How about a nice Chianti?

[VRWCmember]

How about a nice Chianti?

And some fava beans?

[RipSawyer]

The only red I like is muscadine ;)>>>>>

Shhhhh, we don't want the whole world to realize that southern muscadines are vastly superior to all other grapes, the price will go too high.

[RichardW]

Being that I have to have cateract surgery in eight days this is more than passing interest. Wish I had known about this earlier. Didn't drink enough wine. Now I know the cause.

[Egon]

So... Now wine is good for us again?

I'm confused...

[johniegrad]

I've gotten some bargains locally lately.

1997 Opus One Magnum for $147
1998 Opus One Magnum for $147
2001 Rosenblum Monte Rosso Zinfandel for $10
2000 BV Clone 4 and Clone 6 for $80 each
2000 Columbia Crest Reserve "Red Wine" for $15
2001 Columbia Crest Reserve Syrah for $15

[NautiNurse]

I hear you. Found a nice Spanish boutique wine, production limit 5000 bottles annually. The local wine shop had this at a tasting last year, and manages to keep a few bottles in stock. Picked up a couple of them yesterday.

[the Deejay]

Didn't drink enough wine.

I never drink spirits of any type. Just don't like them.

Seeing an ophthalmologist today for a cataract in my right eye.

I had cataract surgery in 1993 on my left eye. I have the more serious types of cataracts, they are behind the eyeball. (Not all cataracts are the same.) Although I am dreading surgery, the recuperation is a b****, as well as the surgery itself.

Good luck to you on surgery day and w/the recuperation

[Tribune7]

ping

[Lazamataz]

I do not drink, not a drop. What can I do to get the benefits w/o drinking?

[MD_Willington_1976]

Not sure, could be..

[thoughtomator]

Try eating red meat before drinking red wine.

[MD_Willington_1976]

Last time I drank red whine was after eating Elk..??

[nutmeg]

Ah, I think I'll have a glass of Shiraz tonight... ;-D

[Mamzelle]

Sweet Mountain Laurel from Chateau Morrisette, Meadows of Dan, Blue Ridge Mtns of Virginia...and Duplin in NC also has some nice scupp-muscadine wines.

My table wine standard is "Black Dog" from Chateau Morrisette.

[Temple Owl]

Homemade Shiraz should work. Maybe I'll have some with brats and Lancaster County corn on the cob tonight.