Red grapes, cranberries, blueberries, apples, peanuts and tomatoes are the foods to go for when it comes to protecting vision and eye health. In fact, what these fruits and vegetables have in common is the presence of resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that, through various mechanisms, acts on several fronts to safeguard our eyes. But let's try to understand better on the basis of a very recent scientific research that appeared in the Nutrients journal thanks to the work of a Polish team (Bryl et al, Nutrients, 2022).
The properties of resveratrol
Resveratrol is a flavonoid with a high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antitumor and vasorelaxant power. All these properties make resveratrol a useful and beneficial substance for the health of the whole organism. In the review we are talking about today, the researchers collected the results of previous studies related to the effects of resveratrol on vision health.
What resveratrol can do for eye health
Studies have shown that, in the case of diabetes, taking resveratrol improves the symptoms of hyperglycemia and protects the eye from that condition called diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes and causes damage to the blood vessels of the retina. Well, taking resveratrol makes it possible to reduce these lesions. Not only that, resveratrol protects the eye from oxidative stress, which, if in excess, can alter the circulation of aqueous humor and increases intra-ocular pressure. This condition, if not properly treated, can pave the way for glaucoma. In addition to this beneficial action, resveratrol has also been shown to protect ganglion cells from programmed death in the case of glaucoma. Ganglion cells are neurons that flow into the optic nerve. Resveratrol is also useful in counteracting macular degeneration, since it helps to control the formation of new blood vessels in the retina, to restore the retinal structure and functionality of the retina. Resveratrol helps prevent cataracts caused by diabetes but also the posterior opacification of the lens, a condition that is sometimes recorded following implantation of the intraocular lens during the cataract operation. Taking resveratrol supplements for 5 days has been shown to be beneficial in the case of uveitis, which is an inflammation of the uvea, which is the membrane between the cornea and the sclera.
Resveratrol against dry eye
But resveratrol can also intervene to improve comfort and vision. In fact, its intake has been shown to improve dry eye syndrome. Not only that, resveratrol can help stop the progression of myopia, if not improve this condition.
Resveratrol, food sources and supplements
Resveratrol is found in several foods, including, as mentioned in the introduction, red grapes, red wine, peanuts, tomato skins, dark chocolate, apples, blueberries and cranberries. There are also resveratrol-based supplements that, however, must always be evaluated with your doctor. In fact, resveratrol can reduce the absorption of iron. Therefore, those with anemia should avoid taking supplements with resveratrol. Not only that, resveratrol can interact with certain medications, such as antihypertensives, anticoagulants, statins and antifungal drugs.
