Daily Grape Intake Linked to Better Eye Health in New Study

A recent study has found that daily grape consumption may improve eye health. Researchers observed positive changes in participants who ate the fruit regularly over several months. The findings were published in the journal Food & Function. The study involved 34 participants split into two groups. One group consumed the equivalent of 1.5 cups of table grapes daily, provided as freeze-dried powder, for 16 weeks. The other received a placebo powder instead.

Researchers measured macular pigment optical density (MPOD) every four weeks. By the end of the study, the grape-consuming group showed a significant improvement in MPOD. They also had higher antioxidant levels and phenolic content compared to the control group.

The control group experienced a notable rise in advanced glycation end products (AGEs) during the test period. In contrast, the group eating grapes did not show the same increase. Dr. Jung Eun Kim recommended eating 1.5 cups of grapes daily to support eye health. The study was funded by the California Table Grape Commission, though the organisation had no influence on its conduct or results. The findings suggest a potential link between grape consumption and improved eye function.