As my husband was diagnosed, I set out on a mission to understand and nutritionally supplement his diet to potentially slow the progression of the disease. Here are a few things I discovered:

You are looking for: Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-zeaxanthin, which make up the macular pigment. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are obtained through food and are found primarily in broccoli, corn, squash and dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale. Meso-Zeaxanthin is obtained by an enzyme conversion of Lutein to Meso-Zeaxanthin in the macula.

LUTEIN & ZEAXANTHIN:
Kale, Corn, Spinach, Collards, Turnips, Eggs, Orange juice, Lettuce, Oranges, Tangerines, Peas, Beans (snap, green), Broccoli, Celery, Peaches, Carrots, Brussel Sprouts, Okra, Papaya,Tomatoes, Melons, Grapefruit

Kale
Raw kale has an exceptional nutrient profile, with the highest content of lutein of any vegetable, as well as zeaxanthin (antioxidants found in the macula). Kale is also rich in vitamin K which helps promote bone health and assists the liver in generating blood-clotting proteins. One cup of chopped kale gives you 1,000 micrograms of vitamin K—10 times the suggested daily dose.

Eat fish high in omega-3 fatty acids at least once or twice a week. That includes salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, and albacore tuna.

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