The eyes have it Since it's such a common condition, it seems as though many people think there's not much you can do about . But it turns out that making a few smart food choices may cut your risk by as much as 35 percent. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association examined macular health and the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods in 4,170 people in the Netherlands over a 14-year period. Using a food-based questionnaire, the researchers found that those whose diets were the richest in beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and zinc had a 35 percent lower risk of developing the sight-robbing disease. These results, combined with knowledge from an earlier study, show that these same nutrients are an important defense against the progressive deterioration that occurs in cases of macular degeneration. The previous study found that supplements containing five to 13 times the recommended daily allowance of those four important nutrients slowed the progression of the disease. The foods highest in beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and zinc include fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fish, poultry, and meat. Fishing around proves beneficial Q: I have been recently diagnosed with hardening of the arteries, and I've heard that fish oil might help. Can you explain the advantages and disadvantages of using fish oil? JVW: Cod liver and other fish oil prevent heart attacks and other cardiovascular disease, build bone, reduce arthritis pain, and are effective anti-inflammatories. I recommend that my patients take 1 to 2 tablespoons of cod liver oil or other fish oil each day (not capsules, but the liquid version of the oil). Since the oil oxidizes quickly, it's important to buy small bottles and add 1,000 to 2,000 IU of vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols) to every bottle as soon as you open it. The vitamin E slows oxidation and prevents the oil from turning rancid too quickly. It also helps your body metabolize the oil more effectively. If you find that you can't stand the rather strong taste of the fish oil, you can mix it with soy or rice milk, or stir it into peanut butter or other nut butters. Since fish oil affects blood clotting, never take more than 2 tablespoons without consulting your physician first, and don't take it at all if you happen to be taking Coumadin or other blood thinners. Although fish oil can be substituted for anticoagulant medications, you should never do so without the close supervision of your doctor. What is rice milk? Rice milk is a non-dairy substitute for cow's milk. It is usually made from brown rice and sweetened with sugarcane syrup. | 
