EATING grapes is good for your eyes, according to a study.
Just a couple of handfuls a day for four months was shown to improve key markers of eye health.
Just a couple of handfuls of grapes a day was shown to improve key markers of eye healthGetty
A team from the National University of Singapore found that those who did not eat grapes showed a rise in glycation, a harmful part of the ageing processAlamy
The secret lies in the fact that much deterioration in eyesight is due to “oxidative stress” where cells are damaged because the body does not have enough antioxidants — which grapes are high in.
A team from the National University of Singapore studied 34 adults who ate either one and a half cups of grapes a day or a placebo for 16 weeks.
The grape-eaters showed a significant increase in good eye health indicators of macular pigment optical density, plasma antioxidants, and phenolic content compared to those on the placebo.
Those who did not eat grapes saw a significant rise in glycation — a harmful part of the ageing process.
Study co-author Dr Jung Eun Kim said: “Our study is the first to show that grape consumption beneficially impacts eye health in humans, which is very exciting, especially with a growing aging population.
“Grapes are an easy, accessible fruit that studies have shown can have a beneficial impact in normal amounts of just 1½ cups per day.
“Regular intake of grapes may improve eye health in older adults.”