Cataracts

Causes of cataracts can be allayed
when you maintain a high-level
of anti-oxidant in your body
through nutritious and healing foods.

Understanding Cataracts

Cataracts are the clouding and deterioration of the eye lens from age-related thickening which commonly occur in an older person and may lead to blindness.

They are a result of free-radical or oxidative damage to the protein structure of the lens.  The damage is liken to the process of egg whites protein turning opaque when it is slowly heated.

Studies show that people with low levels of anti-oxidant in their body are more likely to develop cataracts.  By keeping the glutathione (our body's most important anti-oxidant) level high, cataracts can be delayed and cataracts surgery avoided.

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Causes of Cataracts

Cataracts causes are from the same hazards that can cause chaos in our body, leading to many other degenerative diseases.  Some of the cataracts causes:

• Genetic disorders.

• Deficiency in anti-oxidant nutrient and enzymes, especially vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin) vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and zinc.

• Harmful substances from artificial sweeteners, alcohol, caffeine, drugs, mercury, steroids, sugar and tobacco.

• Excessive exposure to glare from computer use.

• Extensive exposure to direct sunlight.

• Other diseases, like diabetes.

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Diet/Lifestyle Suggestions

A diet high in anti-oxidants, such as fruits and vegetables promote overall good health and is the best defenses against eye diseases.  Grapes, grape seeds, blueberries, blackberries, bilberry, raspberries and strawberries are rich with a phytonutrient (anthocyanidins) that is effective in protecting against cell degeneration in our eyes.

This phyto-medicine can even increase your range of vision, improve short-sightedness, reduce inflammation and decrease sensitivity to bright lights.  All good for eye problems.

Other good 'eye foods' you can take that can prevent cataracts are: corn, kelp, legumes, oatmeal, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, nuts and seeds. 

Most importantly, if there is already sign of cataracts, quit smoking.  Substances in tobacco will hasten the formation of cataracts.

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Note: Diabetics should avoid fruits.

Spinach is an excellent source of anti-oxidant and flavonoids.  Its lutein content is especially important for promoting healthy eye sight.  Asparagus helps increase the glutathione level that is necessary for this condition.  Tomato is also a rich source of anti-oxidant.

For diabetes patients, do not include carrot.  Juice two stalks of spinach, about six sticks of asparagus and a tomato.  For a normal healthy person, add in a small to medium-sized carrot.

The high levels of anti-oxidant in kale, broccoli and capsicum are highly beneficial for prevention of cataract formation.  Regular consumption has been associated with reduced cataract operations.  Remember though, still eat in moderation.

This juice recipe is also suitable for diabetes patients.  Juice a handful kale and a small to medium-sized floret of broccoli and a quarter capsicum.

Note: Individuals with a history of oxalate-containing kidney stones should limit their capsicum consumption.

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Watermelon is highly diuretic and cleansing.  It contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, anti-oxidant lycopene and other minerals that can help prevent cataracts.

Depending on your type of juicer, you may want to de-seed the watermelon so that the seeds don't get clogged in your juicer filter and causing a back-flow.  Throw in a couple cloves of garlic for its vitamin C and remarkable medicinal virtues.

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