Fish oils decrease the risk of macular degeneration, smoking increases the risk

This study included 2335 people with an average age of 64 who were originally included in a study from 1992 to 1994 and were examined again from 1997 to 1999. It was found that people who consumed fish once a week had a 40% decreased risk of developing early onset macular degeneration. If they consumed fish 3 times a week the protection was even greater with a 75% decreased risk of early onset macular damage. The study was performed at the Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Sydney and is published in the July 2006 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology.

In a separate study performed at Harvard Medical School and at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary it was found that fish reduced the risk of macular degeneration while smoking increased the risk. This study also appears in the July 2006 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology.

Studies show it is not the caffeine which helps decrease the risk of developing diabetes but probably the polyphenols.