“AMD affects your central field of vision and can affect your ability to read or recognise faces,” said Professor Glenn Yiu.
The researchers found that healthy participants aged 45 to 65 who consumed 28g of goji berries five times a week for 90 days increased the density of protective pigments in their eyes.
The pigments that increased in the group that ate goji berries, lutein and zeaxanthin, filter out harmful blue light and provide antioxidant protection.
Both help to protect the eyes during ageing.
“Lutein and zeaxanthin are like sunscreen for your eyes,” said lead author Xiang Li. “The higher the lutein and zeaxanthin in your retina, the more protection you have.”
Known for their sweet, slightly sour flavour and vibrant red hue, goji berries have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to boost immunity.
