The benefits of the traditional diet of Sardinia and the other five Blue Zones (i.e. the areas of the world characterized by a great longevity of the population) have been known and studied for years.
A documentary has also landed on Netflix in recent days, dedicated to the "secrets" of the island and those of the other five "Blue Zones" (Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, Loma Linda in California and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica ) of the world.
Now, from Singapore, comes a study - published in the scientific journal Food & Function - which not only confirms the "power" of the Sardinian diet and those of other lands queens of longevity, but which for the first time traces a direct connection between these diets and the well-being of the eyes and vision.
In particular, the research focused on the consumption of grapes, in the "classic" version and in the fermented version (wine), typical above all of the two blue zones of the Mediterranean, Sardinia and Ikaria.
The team of Asian researchers recruited 34 people , who were divided into two groups: one consumed the daily equivalent of 1 and a half cups of table grapes for 16 weeks, while the other was given a placebo for the same period.
Result: those who took grapes showed a significant increase in retinal health , especially regarding the optical density of macular pigment.
Those who took the placebo, however, recorded an increase in oxidative stress and an increase in Age, i.e. chemical compounds produced when sugars combine with proteins or fats, which are the basis of numerous eye disorders.
In short, thanks to its rich content of antioxidants and other polyphenols, grapes would be a natural ally to prevent and combat vision problems .
«Our study – explain the researchers of the team, led by Professor Jung Eun Kim – is the first to demonstrate that grape consumption has a beneficial impact on eye health in humans, which is very exciting».
«Oxidative stress – add the authors of the research – is a key risk factor for visual disorders and consuming foods rich in antioxidants in the diet can help manage such disorders. And grapes - the researchers conclude - are precisely an easy and accessible anti-oxidant fruit that can have a beneficial impact in normal quantities of just one and a half cups per day".
This applies to grapes in grains, but obviously it also applies to "liquid" or fermented grapes: juice or wine (the latter obviously taken in moderation).
Previous research had already shown that in Sardinia the habit of drinking Cannonau wine guarantees a higher level of flavonoids which "clean the arteries" compared to other wines, thus lowering the cardiovascular risk .
Here is now the study from Singapore, which certifies that raising a glass as is done in Sardinia (with Sardinian wine) ensures well-being for the eyes and can be a precious ally in preventing many vision-related diseases.
