Olive oil is much more than a key ingredient in the Mediterranean diet: it also actively contributes to eye health. Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and its high content of essential fatty acids, this ingredient has multiple benefits for eyesight and for the prevention of various eye diseases.
How does olive oil benefit eye health?
Our eyesight is affected by factors such as aging, exposure to screens and environmental conditions. However, olive oil can help counteract these effects naturally. This is possible thanks to some essential nutrients present in this oil, such as:
- Polyphenols and lutein: These compounds protect the eyes from oxidative stress and help prevent macular degeneration, one of the main causes of blindness in older people.
- Vitamin E: It is a powerful antioxidant that protects the retina and reduces the risk of developing cataracts and problems related to eye aging.
- Essential fatty acids: These acids help maintain ocular hydration and promote tear production, which is essential to prevent dry eyes.
- Oleocanthal: This anti-inflammatory component present in olive oil helps relieve eye irritation, especially in dry or red eye conditions.
Prevention of eye diseases
Regular consumption of olive oil can play an important role in the prevention and treatment of various eye diseases:
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Olive oil is rich in antioxidants that protect the retina from damage caused by blue light and free radicals, reducing the risk of macular degeneration.
- Cataracts: Aging causes the accumulation of free radicals that damage the lens of the eye. Vitamin E present in olive oil helps to slow this process and maintain visual clarity.
- Dry eye syndrome: The consumption of healthy fats, such as those in olive oil, helps to improve the quality of tears and reduce eye dryness, especially in people who spend many hours in front of screens.
Retinal health
It is important to highlight that olive oil is rich in polyphenols, especially extra virgin olive oil, which makes it a natural protector for the retina. Polyphenols have antioxidant properties that neutralize free radicals and protect retinal cells from damage, which may contribute to the prevention of diseases such as macular degeneration. In addition, lutein, another antioxidant present in olive oil, plays a key role in protecting the retina by filtering out harmful blue light and preventing cell damage.
Reducing ocular inflammation
Ocular inflammation is one of the main causes of discomfort and various visual conditions. This is where oleocanthal, a natural anti-inflammatory compound found in olive oil, comes in. This compound helps reduce inflammation and relieve eye irritation caused by conditions such as conjunctivitis, eye allergy and other inflammatory conditions. In addition to relieving immediate discomfort, oleocanthal helps prevent the onset of long-term eye problems.
Olive oil is much more than a delicious food. Thanks to its powerful antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it is a natural ally for eye health. Incorporating olive oil in our daily diet not only contributes to maintaining good eye health, but also helps prevent various eye diseases.
