Study suggests green tea may be good for eye health

February 19, 2010

It may be a good idea to have a cup of green tea to wake you up in the morning, as a new study suggests that antioxidants in the drink may prevent certain eye diseases such as glaucoma.

Findings published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reveal that antioxidants known as catechins can potentially protect the eye from disease. Although previous studies have indicated that the nutrients are good for eye health, it was unclear if they could be passed from the gastrointestinal tract into the eye tissue.

Researchers found that not only can catechins make their way to the eye tissue and be absorbed into the lens and retina, but they also can protect the eyes for up to 20 hours after the initial consumption.

"Our results indicate that green tea consumption could benefit the eye against oxidative stress," the researchers concluded.

According to the American Optometric Association, other nutrients that are good for eye health and should be added to your diet include vitamins C and E, lutein and zeaxanthin.