AMD is affecting more than 10 million Americans... and caused when normal cell functions in the eyes are disrupted. Since the fatty cells in our eyes are a result of the oils we eat, it is extremely important which oils we use in our kitchen. Most of us have shelves filled with polyunsaturated vegetable oils not just in cooking or salads but also in any sauce, dip, bread, cracker, cake mix, or frozen dinner. Yet, these polyunsaturated vegetable oils are very susceptible to lipid peroxidation.
What is lipid peroxidation? Lipid peroxidation is a chemical process that causes fats to become rancid. Rancid oils create destructive free radicals that literally rip other molecules apart, causing irreversible damage to cells. Free radicals interfere with normal cell function in the eye which can lead to macular degeneration. New research is showing that AMD may be preventable:
"Saturated fats are very resistant to peroxidation. A high concentration of saturated fat in eye tissue can protect against lipid peroxidation associated with AMD. Coconut oil is higher in saturated fat than any other dietary fat. For this reason, it is very stable and highly resistant to peroxidation. It is so stable that it acts as a protective antioxidant and helps protect against the formation of free radicals."For a more healthy lifestyle and to defend yourself against age-related macular degeneration:
1. Avoid polyunsaturated oils in your diet.
2. Use coconut oil and other healthy saturated fats for your food preparation.
3. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidant nutrients.
For references and the full article from the Healthy Ways Newsletter, Volume 2 Number 2 by Dr. Bruce Fife, click the following link: http://www.coconutresearchcenter.com/hwnl_2-2.htm
