Posted on 08/15/2005 8:59:30 AM PDT by 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."
Wine Bump.
This is good news, but it is possible that those with a moderate attitude about drinking also tend to have a moderate attitude about a number of other behaviors that affect health.
I'm doomed :)
Bumper to the top, to health.
I'll drink to that!
You would :)
Hi Gabz!
Howdy!!!!!!!!
Will that be Jacob's Creek Shiraz or Red Tail Cabernet Sauvignon?
Wine news ping.
Not if You can get yourself situated in Northern CA, SE Good 'ole Australia or even Chile. ;)
I prefer a nice Pinot Noir, or Merlot, or even a simple Rhone red table wine. I'm not all that wild about Cabernet Sauvignon.
"Gives me a headache every time..."
Are you allergic to sulfur?
LOL!!!!
Here's to Eye Health!
The only red I like is muscadine ;)
"But moderate red wine drinkers - anything between two glasses a month to two or three glasses a day - showed only half the risk. "
OK, I am going with the three glasses a day as a moderate.
I ain't either; I just fling a few names to "fuel the flames". [no rhyme intended]
Generally, most [that I've tasted] white wines seem sweeter & tastier than reds.
But then again, we Yanks is always "OD"ing on sugar; plus the anti-oxidant levels in reds are only surpassed by pomegranate juice [methinks].
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