'An apple a day keeps the doctor away' is an old adage you've probably heard countless times. And while it may have some merit, scientists have shed light on another fruit that's potentially a winner when it comes to improving eye health. Last year, the National University of Singapore asked 34 older adults to either consume 46g per day of freeze-dried table grape powder or the same amount of placebo powder in a 16-week clinical trial. They were keen to understand how this consumption impacts a number of factors, including 'macular pigment' - a yellowish substance that protects the eye and helps with vision.
After taking various measurements every four weeks, data analyses showed a remarkable difference in eye health between those who ate the grape powder and those who didn't. Most crucially, this encompassed an improved 'macular pigment optical density' among grape eaters, associated with healthier eyes and better cognitive function.
The eye's antioxidant defence system had generally improved among grape-eaters too, which may be linked to the fruits' rich antioxidant content. It's possible this could help to fight 'oxidative stress' - a condition linked to cataracts, glaucoma and other age-related eye problems.
Lead author Dr Jung Eun Kim previously explained: "Our study is the first to show that grape consumption beneficially impacts eye health in humans, which is very exciting, especially with a growing ageing population. Grapes are an easy, accessible fruit that studies have shown can have a beneficial impact in normal amounts of just 1 ½ cups per day.".
