As we age, the risk of various ailments and issues become heightened. Therefore it is up to each individual to take healthy preventative measures to slow down or stop these conditions altogether. A diet brimming with antioxidants has been proven to do just this, assisting in the aversion of heart disease, neurological disorders and certain types of cancer. Now researchers from both the Brigham Young University and the Weill Medical College of Cornell University are adding age-related blindness to this important list.

Together the universities were able to realize the course of aging allows for two different kinds of destructive processes to occur within the retina of the eye. Naturally, A2E, a harmful byproduct begins to gather inside the cells as the years go on. Without a way for the body to dispose of it, the A2E is able to remains and combats the significant function of the mitochondrion within cells, decreasing energy. The cells are helpless to continue proper maintenance or flush the A2E out of the system. While this happens, significant retinal cells are damaged beyond repair and even destroyed completely, ultimately resulting in blindness.

Through studying the retinal cells of rats, cows and humans, the researchers were able to examine the effects of antioxidants. In every case the antioxidants were able to stop the damaging results of the accumulation of the A2E in the cells. Mitochondria were able to function as they normally do and its aging process was slowed down. Therefore, blindness could be avoided as the retinal cells were no longer being killed off.

Including antioxidants in one’s diet is a sure fire method to delay or even prevent the tragedy that comes with the loss of sight. Two types of antioxidants in particular, lutein and zeaxanthin are especially helpful in regards to maintaining of the retina of the eye. They are typically found within dark green vegetables such as collard green and spinach. It is vital to being including these foods into one’s daily food intake.