5 Natural Remedies To Stop Macular Degeneration

Did you know that your diet can be key to curbing the damage of macular degeneration and taking care of your visual health?

One of the most frequent degenerations of vision is that of the macula. The macula is a tissue that is part of the retina and makes vision sharp and detailed. Therefore, it is important to take care of this part of our eye. Along these lines, we explain some natural remedies against macular degeneration. 

When the function of the macula deteriorates, vision becomes blurry. Although it is true that it is a natural process due to age, you can always prevent this problem.

Here are a series of natural remedies to stop the macular degeneration.

Natural remedies for macular degeneration

1. Saffron

Saffron is one of the best natural remedies to stop macular degeneration thanks to the fact that it provides antioxidants that provide oxygen to the body and prevent cell death. This is stated in this study carried out by the Università Cattolica del S. Cuore (Rome).

Among its components is safranal. This natural chemical reduces the process of degeneration of cells that receive light and improves the functions of the blood vessels of the eyes and the retina.

In this sense, a cup of saffron infusion a day can delay vision problems thanks to its protective action on vision cells.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of boiling water (250 ml)
• 1 teaspoon of saffron. (5 g)

Preparation

• Combine the two ingredients and mix well.
• Drink immediately.

The taste of this tea is intense and bitter, so you may want to start with less of it at first. saffron or more water. If you prefer, add a little honey to attenuate its flavor without changing the portions.

2. Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are another of the natural remedies against macular degeneration, according to this study by Lesley University (United States), because contain zinc and essential fatty acids . These two elements are decisive in the prevention of visual diseases.

Try to include the Pumpkin seeds to your recipes and desserts to also combat premature aging.  Because it has few calories, you can consume them every day.  

The recommended serving is 3 tablespoons (24 g) but try to choose those that are free of salt and frying. The best options are toasted and ground.

If you don’t feel like consuming the seeds alone and want some flavor, try the following recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of dried pumpkin seeds (130 g)
• A teaspoon of salt (5 g)
• 1 teaspoon of pepper (5 g)
• A large garlic clove

Preparation

• First of all, you can remove the peel if you prefer.
• To start, place the seeds in a nonstick skillet or pot.
• Then start toasting and add the garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Then cover and keep moving to prevent sticking.
• After 5 minutes, remove from heat.
• Finally, remove the garlic and let the seeds cool.

You can enjoy them right away or save them for later. You will get quite a few seeds, so we recommend storing them in a plastic bag or a container with a lid to avoid losing their flavor and texture.

3. Ginkgo biloba

The next of the natural remedies to stop macular degeneration is a great oxygenator of the head and extremities.

Among its properties it is known for being:

• Peripheral vasodilator
• Venous vasoconstrictor
• Neuroprotective
• Diuretic

All of this means that favors increased blood circulation in the eyes , in particular to the optic nerve, as it contains flavonoids.

In this  study  conducted by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, a series of volunteers with macular degeneration took 60 mg of ginkgo biloba. Another group consumed  a higher dose, 240 mg, daily. In the second group an improvement in sight was reported.

Therefore, to take advantage of its benefits, you can prepare ginkgo biloba infusion every day or consume a supplement in capsules.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of boiling water (250 ml)
• 1 teaspoon of ginkgo biloba in small pieces or powder (5 g)

Preparation

• Mix the two ingredients.
• Let stand a few minutes, strain and drink.

4. Spinach

Spinach is another of the natural remedies to prevent macular degeneration. These  they contain the necessary nutrients to prevent eye diseases caused by oxidative stress.

Among these we find:

• Vitamins (A, from group B, K)
• Minerals (iron, calcium, phosphorus)
• Beta-carotenes
• Antioxidants
• Coenzyme Q10
• Chlorophyll
• Polyphenols
• Omega-3 fatty acids

It is advisable to consume raw spinach in salads and juices to fully receive its nutritional components.

We recommend consuming at least one cup of spinach (30 g) three times a week.

5. Egg yolk

Consuming egg yolks regularly is another of the natural remedies to stop macular degeneration.  This is because Buds are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two elements that help absorb short-wave light in the retina.

For this reason, lutein helps delay the appearance of damage to the macula by preventing sun damage.

In fact, this  study  carried out by the University of Massachusetts Lowell explains that eating two eggs a day is probably all that is necessary to maximize blood levels of lutein and zeaxanthin.

Just keep in mind that when cooking the eggs you should use as little fat or oil as possible. A good option is to include an omelette with spinach in your breakfast.

And good? You will surely agree with us that taking care of your eyes from macular degeneration is very simple. Now you only have to include these ingredients in your diet.