Many physicians are not well trained or educated in the field of nutrition. However, that is not the case with one of my favorite macular degeneration specialists, Dr. Lylas Mogk. Of course she has a personal interest in wanting to prevent macular degeneration (AMD) as an ophthalmologist and the daughter of someone with AMD.

Macular Degeneration Prevention

This nutrition tip is repeated over and over by many other traditional and more natural health professionals as well. So it may be worth paying attention to some of the benefits of these leafy greens like kale and collard greens.

As far back as 1994 a Harvard study was done by Dr. Johanna Seddon. The conclusion of that study was that those who ate at least 5 servings of dark leafy greens per week had a 43% lower risk of developing AMD than those who ate small amounts or none at all.

Did you see that? 43% lower risk of developing macular degeneration! That got my attention.

Kale Health Benefits

Foods that contain the highest amounts of lutein include dark green, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale. However, kale has more of this antioxidant than spinach. According to the Lutein Information Burea:

Kale (raw) 26.5 mg / 1 cup

Kale (cooked) 23.7 mg/ 1 cup

Spinach (cooked) 20.4 mg/ 1 cup

Spinach (raw) 3.7 mg/ 1 cup

For more info on kale health benefits and ways to incorporate into your diet go to: Kale Health Benefits and Recipes

Thanks so much for subscribing to Macular Degeneration News.

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Better Health for Better Vision