Tuesday, March 22, 2011

We eat first with our eyes...so why not protect them?

We certainly know, by now, that including fish in our diet is good for our hearts and waistlines, and current research is showing that women who regularly eat fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids are less likely to develop eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration. The Harvard Women's Health Study followed more than 39,000 women over a ten year period and reported that those who consumed 1 serving of fish per week were 42% less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration than those who ate less than a serving each month.

Omega-3 fatty acids are proven to have inflammatory effects, so eating fish like mackerel, salmon, sardines, bluefish and swordfish as part of a balanced diet may help with your eye health. Weekly consumption of fish is largely encouraged in the Mediterranean diet along with daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals, and low-fat dairy products; weekly consumption of fish, poultry, tree nuts, and legumes; and high consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids, primarily from olives and olive oils. In addition to aiding in eye health, the Mediterranean diet also reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome - risk factors that boost the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Try adding more fish into your weekly meals. In fact, try out this recipe for Roasted Salmon with Tomatoes and Olives and let me know what you think!

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