A study by Tufts University found a positive correlation between high fat intake and macular degeneration. Diets high in trans fats, such as baked goods and dairy, were found to be particularly harmful. However, there is no connection between macular degeneration and the intake of “good” fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids.
A detailed, large-scale medical study showed a positive correlation between a person’s fat intake and their level of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration occurs when a part of the eye, called the macula, deteriorates. This causes many problems, such as losing the ability to distinguish fine details, night blindness, and blurred or distorted vision. Since symptoms occur with age, it is very important to establish the causes of macular degeneration so that people can exercise preventive care. Diets high in fat, especially certain types of fat, have been shown to have a high probability of increasing the risk of developing this type of eye condition.
Over a twelve-year period, Tufts University medical researchers followed nearly 90,000 people aged 50 and older. They tracked your detailed fat intake and measured your macular degeneration and published their results in 2001. Overall, they found that people who got 42% or more of their calories from fat were more likely to develop macular degeneration. In general, they recommended that people over the age of 50 keep their calories from fat down to 20-25%. But the study also showed differences in the various types of fat intake, such as saturated versus polyunsaturated and trans fats, to cause various connections to macular degeneration.
This study found some especially “bad” fats. Diets high in trans fats, such as commercial baked goods and dairy, were approximately 225% more likely to cause macular degeneration. Surprisingly, small portions of these foods were found to be dangerous. Just one serving a day of things like ice cream, bacon, French fries, whole milk, hot dogs, cookies, sausage, butter, or cake were not healthy. Raw meat, such as steak, lamb, or pork, should only be eaten once a week before subjects’ risk of macular degeneration increases by 35%. These foods are examples of polyunsaturated fats that include the omega-6 fatty acid.
However, there is no connection between macular degeneration and the intake of “good” fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, or “bad” saturated fats. Safe fat alternatives include fish, such as canned tuna or fresh salmon, and nuts. These can be eaten almost every day without harming macular health. The researchers don’t understand why saturated fat, which is dangerous to cardiovascular health in other circumstances, was not linked to macular degeneration. Of course, while this study is rigorous, nutritionists are still learning about what makes some fats good and others bad.
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