Diabetics don't have to go blind

Diabetes can wreak havoc on eyes. But if you have diabetes, you don't have to go blind. New research says you can protect your eyes from the ravages of diabetes.

A new study out of Australia discovered a simple way to protect your eyes from diabetic retinopathy. The researchers followed 111 subjects with adult diabetes. They compared the participants' levels of certain plant phytonutrients. The flavonoids included lycopene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene type (provitamin A) compounds.

Here's what they found. Those with retinopathy had significantly lower levels of beta-carotene and similar compounds compared to those without eye degeneration. However, they also found that lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin protect against retinopathy far better than provitamin-A type nutrients. That means they all work together to protect your eyes.

Once again, we see how the right food can stop most disease. Not convinced? As you may know, I eat a ton of these plant phytonutrients every day. At my last eye doctor visit to Larry Jebrock, OD of Novato, California, he said my macula looked about 30 years younger than my chronological age.

Continued Below...

If you already have degeneration or you just cannot eat enough good foods, then a supplement might be in order for you. I don't recommend the supplements put out by Pharma companies. They have inferior formulations, in my opinion, as well as toxic coloring agents and fillers.

I particularly like the formulation in Advanced Vision Support from Advanced Bionutritionals. We've had many great reports from people who take this supplement. Short of a great diet, they are the best thing around for your eyes.

Ref: Br J Nutr, 2009; 101(2).