Green tea continues to make headlines because of a variety of anti-oxidant compounds. Research has shown that green tea may lower the risk of developing heart disease, osteoporosis and several kinds of cancer. Now investigators in Hong Kong suggest that green tea may also have a beneficial effect on vision. Rat research shows that the retina at the back of the eye absorbs green tea compounds quite effectively. These catechins may be able to help protect against age-related conditions such as glaucoma. Further research is needed to see whether green tea is actually helpful in humans at risk for eye disease.
[Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2010]
