5 Natural Remedies For Macular Degeneration

Do you know that your diet is essential to prevent eye damage from macular degeneration and to maintain your eyesight?

If your central visual acuity has deteriorated or your vision is distorted, you should be examined by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible, as it could be age-related macular degeneration. Today we present you with various natural remedies that can be of great use in the prevention and complementary treatment  against macular degeneration .

The macula is the most important area of ​​the retina that allows for sharp vision.

Damage to this area  results in blurred vision,  a common problem that occurs with age. But preventive measures can be very effective.

The following natural remedies can be used for prevention and supportive treatment. However, you need to incorporate them into your diet regularly!

1. Saffron against macular degeneration

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world, but you can use it to improve your eyesight!

It is an excellent natural remedy with a strong antioxidant effect  against macular degeneration. This can improve the body’s oxygen supply and thus reduce cell death. 

The main aromatic substance, Safranal, inhibits the degeneration of the cells that absorb light  and improves the function of the blood vessels in the eyes, specifically in the retina. 

It is therefore advisable to drink a cup of saffron tea every day to prevent visual problems.

ingredients

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

preparation

• Scald the saffron threads with the boiling water and drink as soon as the tea has a pleasant temperature.

The taste of this tea is intense and bitter. You can use a little less saffron at first to slowly get used to it. Another option is to sweeten the tea with honey. 

2. Pumpkin seeds against macular degeneration

Pumpkin seeds are also excellent because they are rich in  zinc and essential fatty acids. Both are very important in the prevention and treatment of eye diseases.

• Since the kernels are low in calories, you can eat them every day.
• We recommend 3 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds (24 g) daily, but please not deep-fried and without salt!

Here is a delicious recipe with pumpkin seeds:

ingredients

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

preparation

• If the kernels are not peeled, you can remove the peel first if you wish.
• Put the pumpkin seeds in a pan and briefly toast them with the garlic, salt and pepper.
• Cover the pan but keep stirring so that the kernels don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
• Remove from heat after 5 minutes.
• Remove the garlic and let the seeds cool. 

Now you can enjoy the roasted pumpkin seeds or store them. Wrap them up so they don’t lose their flavor.

3. Ginkgo biloba against macular degeneration

The following natural remedy improves the oxygen supply to the head and extremities. Ginkgo biloba is also excellent against macular degeneration.

This plant is characterized by the following properties:

• Peripheral vasodilation
• Narrowing of the veins
• Neuroprotector
• Diuretic

These properties  improve blood circulation in the eyes, among other things, and  the optic nerve in particular benefits from this, as this plant contains important flavonoids.

In one study, volunteers consumed 60 mg ginkgo biloba daily, another group received 240 mg daily. In this last group, an improvement in vision could be achieved.

To benefit from the benefits of this plant,  you can take ginkgo biloba as a dietary supplement in capsule form. You can also use it to make tea:

ingredients

• 1 cup of boiling water (250 ml)

• 1 teaspoon ginkgo biloba, crushed or powdered (5 g)

preparation

• Mix both ingredients, let steep for a few minutes, then drain and drink.

4. Spinach against macular degeneration

Spinach is also excellent in the prevention and treatment of macular degeneration. It contains important nutrients that help prevent eye diseases caused by oxidative stress.

Spinach is characterized by the following ingredients:

• Vitamins (A, B complex, K)
• Minerals (iron, calcium, phosphorus)
• Beta carotene

• Antioxidants
• Coenzyme Q10
• Chlorophyll
• Polyphenols
• Omega-3 fatty acids

It’s  best to consume raw spinach in salads or smoothies to  get the best benefit from all of the nutrients. We recommend at least 3 cups (30 g) of spinach a week.

5. Egg yolks against macular degeneration

Regular consumption of egg yolks also has many benefits. Among other things, the nutrients it contains help against macular degeneration.

The egg yolk is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two substances that protect certain fatty structures in the retina from oxygen radicals and filter short-wave light rays that  are harmful to the eyes.

Lutein delays the development of macular damage and also prevents damage caused by the sun.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition  states that two chicken eggs a day are likely to optimize lutein and zeaxanthin needs.

• Don’t forget, however,  that you should use as little fat as possible when preparing the eggs. We recommend a soft-boiled breakfast egg or an egg omelette with spinach!

You now know how to maintain and protect your eyesight. As always, prevention is fundamental in the fight against macular degeneration. Include the recommended foods in your diet regularly!