Health Benefits of Eating Nuts

Handful of cashews or a cup of popcorn: Which afternoon snack does the biggest favor for your eyes?

Take the nuts. A recent study showed that a weekly serving of nuts may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

All About Ratios
> The nuts may help thanks to their inflammation-fighting omega-3s. (And for that matter, fish rich in omega-3s may be good for eyes, too.) But for the best eye benefits, you'll want to control your overall fat intake at the same time. And be especially sure you're not overdosing on omega-6s, found in vegetable oils and processed foods. They tend to encourage inflammation and may be particularly bad for eyes when it comes to AMD risk. Confused? Then read this 120-Second Guide to Antiaging Fats.

Fountain of Youth for Eyes
> A nutritious, low-fat diet is just one of the ways you can help protect your peepers. There are lots of other habits that may help you see better and help keep your eyes healthy well into the future. Here are just a few examples:

• Hit the salad bar. Find out why it's a sight for healthy eyes.
• Soothe yourself. Here's how to get the moisture back in your eyes.
• Do you use a computer? Protect your eyes from computer fatigue with these tips.
• See better. Read this article for easy ways to compensate for vision loss.

RealAge Benefits

Eating a low-fat diet -- and eating healthful unsaturated fats when you do eat fat -- can make your RealAge as much as 6 years younger.

References

Dietary fatty acids and the 10-year incidence of age-related macular degeneration: the Blue Mountains Eye Study. Tan, J. S. et al., Archives of Ophthalmology 2009 May;127(5):656-665.

Actively patrolling your health can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger. Take the RealAge Test  Copyright 2009 RealAge