Carrot juice can be used as a nutritional aid for macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly. Freshly squeezed from your own juicer, carrot juice is deliciously sweet and provides many valuable nutrients to optimize eye health.
Macula means spot, which in the case of macular degeneration, refers to the spot on the retina. The retina is at risk when there is a lack of antioxidants in the diet, leading to premature aging and deterioration. Consuming generous amounts of the body’s protective antioxidants, vitamins C and E, carotenes, and small amounts of the mineral selenium, will help protect your eyesight. Carrot juice is abundant in these antioxidants.
Fresh carrot juice contains more antioxidants available in the form of alpha and beta carotene than raw carrots. Carrot juice is more easily digested than having to consume large amounts of vegetables. Beta-carotene is converted to natural vitamin A in the body, which is a known contributor to eye care.
Many of the diseases associated with the aging process appear to be caused by compounds called free radicals. Free radicals are involved in many processes in the body, including blood vessel function and fighting infection. If the body is not working properly, unchecked free radicals can cause damage. Free radicals can damage the lens of the eye, leading to cataracts and the macula at the back of the eye, leading to age-related macular degeneration.
An increase in age is of much greater value if there is no pain or disability, such as macular degeneration. Aging affects lifestyle and has an impact on nutritional needs. Lower energy demands require less food. Therefore, older people should ensure that the food consumed is nutrient-dense in order to maintain satisfactory nutrient intake.
Those who consume large amounts of fresh vegetables and juices such as carrots have a lower risk of degenerative diseases associated with aging, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Research is showing that macular degeneration can be very responsive to nutritional supplements. A large Harvard research study showed that even supplementing with 6 mg of lutein per day could reduce the chance of getting macular degeneration by 57%.
Carrot juice from yellow carrots contains xanthophylls and lutein, which help develop healthy eyes and help fight macular degeneration. Red carrots contain lycopene, which is associated with reduced risk of macular degeneration.
Implementing dietary and lifestyle changes will greatly benefit your eye health and extend a healthy quality of life. Introducing antioxidant-rich foods into the diet, such as carrot juice, may help reduce the risk of macular degeneration.