Protect Your Vision with Fish

Whether we notice the subtle changes or not, about nine million of us over the age of forty have some signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In fact, like cataracts AMD is one of the leading causes of blindness.

That’s why I’m always on the lookout for any natural ways to protect our vision. So, when the Rush University Medical Center recently released the results of its new vision study, I took notice. They performed a dietary analysis of over 38,000 women and found that those who ate one or more fish meals a week were decidedly less likely to develop AMD.

More specifically, it was found that the women who consumed the highest amount of the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3s in fish had better vision protection. They were 38% less likely to be diagnosed with AMD than those who ate fish less than once a month. 

The health benefits of fish continue to roll in. My only caveat is to select your fish carefully:

• Avoid farm raised fish, since the water can be stagnant and full of chemicals.
• Select “fresh caught” or “line caught” fish whenever possible.
• Stay with low mercury fish such as Atlantic halibut, Wild Pacific salmon, cod, scrod, canned anchovies, sardines, light tuna packed in water (less is more with tuna). 
• Skip mercury-laden swordfish, shark, and tilefish.

Now it’s your turn: What’s your favorite way to enjoy fish?

You May Also Be Interested In:

• Mercury in Fish: Is it a Worry, or Not?
• Something Fishy About Women and Heart Disease