In a recent newsletter, we highlighted top tips to Protect Your Vision Health as You Age which includes wearing sun glasses to protect your eyes from damaging UVA and UVB rays. Ironically, sunlight may also support healthy vision through its role in vitamin D production.

A new study found that the sunshine vitamin was associated with a reduction in amyloid beta, a risk factor for age-related vision problems.

Aging and the Eyes

With age, deposits of amyloid beta can accumulate in our eyes, reducing blood supply and increasing the risk of damage to the structures and functions of the eyes.

One structure that may be affected by amyloid beta is the macula, a small yellow spot on the retina. The yellow color is due to the content of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which we get from our diet. These carotenoids filter out the harmful blue light that can damage cells in the eye.  

Therefore reduced circulation means fewer carotenoids and a thinner macular pigment which can allow the blue light through to damage the cells.

Study Details

In the study, lab mice that received vitamin D supplementation for six weeks had reductions in the levels of amyloid beta. The vitamin was also associated with reductions in markers for inflammation.

Other human studies have also shown that higher blood levels of vitamin D decreased the risk of damage to the macula.

Sources:

NutraIngredients

NutraIngredients

Sunscreen goes a long way in protecting your skin from UV rays that can accelerate skin aging and increase your risk of skin cancers like melanoma--providing you follow a few guidelines. We’ve covered some of these tips on how to choose the best sunscreens in a recent post.

But did you know that the foods you eat can also help protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun?

Dr. Walter Quan, a melanoma specialist from Cancer Treatment Centers of America, recommends these specific foods for promoting healthy skin cells:

• Citrus fruits – The vitamin C and other antioxidants in oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit help protect your body from free radical damage and promote normal cell development.
• Avocados – This fruit contains another antioxidant called glutathione that discourages the development of skin cancer. Avocados are also a good source of vitamins A, D and E as well as the minerals copper and iron which are all essential nutrients for healthy skin. He suggests adding three to four avocados per week to salads, sandwiches or dips.
• Pumpkin Seeds – Loaded with vitamin E, pumpkin seeds are great toasted as a snack or used as a topping on salads.
• Carrots, Sweet Potatoes and Cantaloupe – Orange colored fruits and veggies contain beta-carotene, the natural form of vitamin A that many reduce the risk of sunburn and the damage it causes.

In addition, Quan says that an overall diet consisting of organic fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds and legumes as well as nonfat dairy and lean meats can reduce your risk of cancer.

The Best of Both Worlds

There are sunscreens made from soy on the market now so you can go “natural” on the outside too!

Enjoy your summer safely!

Sources:

Live Strong