The lens of your eye has two natural enemies: ultraviolet
light, and oxygen free radicals. Both of these factors take
their toll as we age. Free radicals can damage cell proteins
that protect the retina, while a sunlight wavelength called
ultraviolet-beta radiation (UVB) is believed to promote age-
related cataract formation.
Fortunately, there may be an easy way to reduce both UVB
and free radical damage by putting dietary choices to work,
along with key antioxidant supplements.
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Natural safeguards
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In a recent issue of the Journal of Nutrition, researchers from
Ohio State University note that lutein and zeaxanthin are the
only dietary carotenoids present in the lens of the eye. Some
studies have indicated that a sufficient intake of these
nutrients may protect the lens and reduce the risk of
developing cataracts associated with aging.
The Ohio team tested the preventive effects of lutein,
zeaxanthin and vitamin E by applying them in various
concentrations to human eye cells. The cells then received
several seconds of exposure to UVB.
After assessing damage to the cells, the researchers found
that vitamin E reduced damage by about 30 percent,
compared to cells that were not protected by any of the three
nutrients. Meanwhile, lutein and zeaxanthin reduced damage
by more than 50 percent, at concentrations that were far less
than the vitamin E concentrations.
The authors of the study state that their trial is the first to
offer physical evidence that lutein and zeaxanthin may be
able to reduce damage caused by UVB.
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Prevention crosses the barrier
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Lutein and zeaxanthin are key components of a
phytochemical called xanthophylls, a powerful antioxidant
that has the unique characteristic of being able to cross the
blood brain barrier more easily than most other antioxidants.
(The blood brain barrier is a protective mechanism designed
to prevent infectious organisms and chemicals from entering
the nervous system. This prevents illness from spreading to
neurologically sensitive areas, but it also stops many
beneficial substances from getting through and protecting
those areas.)
Good food sources of xanthophylls include corn, kiwi, red
seedless grapes, orange-colored peppers, spinach, celery,
Brussels sprouts, scallions, broccoli, and squash.
And then there's the C effect. In the e-Alert "76 Trombones"
(8/7/03), I told you about a Tufts University study in which
women who had taken daily vitamin C supplements for more
than a decade were found to be 64 percent less likely to show
signs of the opacification that leads to cataracts, compared to
the women who took no vitamin C supplements at all.
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Reading the signs
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Almost half of all Americans will develop a significant
cataract after age 75. So in addition to getting a good intake
of xanthophylls-rich foods and supplements that can help
protect the eyes from cataracts, it's important to be aware of
these warning signs that are characteristic of cataract-
clouding of the eye lens:
* Cloudy or blurred vision
* Excessive glare from bright lights
* Double images or distorted images
* A sense that colors aren't as vivid as they should be
* Poor night vision
* Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
In addition to aging, other high-risk factors for cataracts
include smoking and diabetes. If you think you might be in
danger of developing cataracts, look for a good supplement
and a good eye doctor.
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Black-Listed Cancer Treatment Could Save Your Life!
The key to stopping many cancers has been around for over 30
years. Yet it has been banned by the very agency designed to
protect your health-the FDA.
A German research scientist discovered a natural formula that
could prevent and even cure cancer. Her findings, which were
barred from the medical journals, are now finally available
in an updated English translation.
Learn more about this incredible black-listed formula visit:
Protect your body from Cancer!
**************************************************************
"Resist the temptation to photocopy parts of your anatomy."
That advice comes from the UK's Royal Society for the
Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), which sounds like
something right out of a Monty Python skit. RoSPA recently
offered some tips on how to throw a workplace holiday party
that will not require any 911 calls, makeshift tourniquets or
replacement glass for photocopy machines.
Working with the Trades Union Congress (TUC), RoSPA
officials came up with these suggestions:
* Don't dance on desks or tables
* To reduce the need for assistance from the fire department,
don't light candles or serve flaming Christmas puddings
* Serve non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol makes some people
aggressive, and the party will be spoiled if it ends in a
"punch-up"
* Party balloons can trigger deadly reactions for those who
are allergic to latex
* Use step-ladders to hang decorations, not swivel chairs
My favorite RoSPA/TUC safety tip is this one: Don't hang
mistletoe. It could lead to sexual harassment. I couldn't help
but picture Monty Python vet John Cleese playing the role of
an apoplectic RoSPA inspector: "Egads! Mistletoe!"
Roger Bibbings - RoSPA's Occupational Safety Adviser -
told Reuters Health: "We are not being party poopers."
Hmm. No alcohol? No mistletoe? No flaming desserts? Sorry
to break it to you, guys, but… you're party poopers.
Now, somebody light the pudding! It's time to hop on
swivel-chairs under the mistletoe!
To Your Good Health,
Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute
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BREATHE DISEASE OUT OF YOUR BODY
Learn how to breathe disease out of your body using
techniques found in Healing with Ki-Kou. This book details a
system of breathing techniques combined with simple body
postures, handed down for centuries by traditional Chinese
doctors. These powerful techniques use the principle of chi,
considered by Eastern disciplines to be the energy source
that carries life through your body. Put a stop to colds,
viruses, ulcers, heart disease, arthritis, headaches, and
discomfort from menopause with this easy to follow step by
step breathing guide, visit:
Learn how to breathe away ailments!
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Sources:
"Xanthophylls and {alpha}-Tocopherol Decrease UVB-
Induced Lipid Peroxidation and Stress Signaling in Human
Lens Epithelial Cells" Journal of Nutrition, Vol. 134, No. 12,
December 2004, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
"Lutein and Zeaxanthin Help Prevent Cataracts" Life
Extension Foundation, 12/3/04, lef.org
"Warning: Christmas Parties Can Damage Your Health"
Reuters Health, 12/13/04, reutershealth.com
