Is Coffee Good for Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is an eye condition which affects millions of people across the world, with many suffering from progressive vision loss. Some people may wonder if drinking coffee can help manage their symptoms of macular degeneration.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in the US. It is a condition which affects the macula, the part of the eye which helps people see fine details and colors. When affected by macular degeneration, people can experience blurred central vision, distortion of shape and color, as well as deeper visual disturbances.
Does Coffee Affect Macular Degeneration?
Recent studies suggest that drinking coffee may reduce the risk of macular degeneration in people with the condition. The research showed that people with moderate or high coffee consumption were 33% less likely to experience the advanced stages of macular degeneration.
Coffee is considered to be beneficial in macular degeneration due to its potential anti-oxidant properties. It is believed that these anti-oxidants can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are widely accepted as major contributors to macular degeneration.
The Benefits of Drinking Coffee for Macular Degeneration
There are several benefits of drinking coffee for macular degeneration:
- Less Oxidative Stress: As previously mentioned, coffee can reduce oxidative stress associated with macular degeneration, which could reduce the risk of vision loss.
- Protection from UV Rays: Coffee also has the potential to protect the eyes from UV rays, which can damage the macula and cause vision loss.
- Higher Antioxidant Intake: Drinking coffee can also provide people with macular degeneration with higher amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants help the body fight free-radicals, which are one of the main causes of macular degeneration.
Conclusion
Overall, while drinking coffee alone will not cure macular degeneration, it can provide patients with some relief and protection from the condition. People with macular degeneration should speak to their physician about adding coffee to their diet to see if it can be beneficial for them.
