First let's talk about the prevention of degenerative diseases of the eye.
According to studies conducted over the past few years, lutein, a carotenoid antioxidant that is found in abundance in some types of fruits and green leafy vegetables such as spinach, dark would have a prominent role in reducing and delaying the degenerative diseases of aging such as retinal degenerative macular holes (AMD) and cataracts.
Recent studies are consistent with those conducted by Prof. Pratt (known ophthalmologist, Professor at the University of California medical school in San Diego)and demonstrate the tendency of lutein to settle in the eye, especially in the lens,retina and macula.
Lutein, which is produced by the body but that is taken through the consumption of foods containing it, and zeaxanthin (its isomer), are the only carotenoids present in the eye and are deposited in the macular region, as well as in the retina and the lens, increasing the density of the macula, thereby protecting the tissues from oxidation damage from UV rays and inhibits the damaging action of free radicals.
The first studies on the link between antioxidants and diseases of the eye goes back to1979.
Since then, scientific research published have become increasingly numerous and continue to this day.
According to research conducted at Harvard Medical School, in individuals who are taking high amounts of lutein through food (spinach, broccoli, cabbage, peas, courgettes, kiwi), the risk of degenerative macular holes is less than the 43 percent compared to those who don't use it frequently.
«The daily recommended dosage of lutein and vitamins should be minimal 6 mg/day in children and between 15-20 mg in adults. "
It takes 100 g of spinach daily, to reduce this risk.