Eye health and the Health Benefits of Spinach, Chard and Kale

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Ophthalmologist, discusses the nutritional benefit of spinach, Swiss chard and Kale in relation to eye health.

Ophthalmologist, discusses the nutritional benefit of spinach, Swiss chard and Kale in relation to eye health.

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Video transcript

The Health Benefits of Spinach, Chard and Kale Dr. David Maberley, MD, FRCSC, Ophthalmologist

Spinach and swiss chard are two quintessential and commonly available leafy greens. Their rich content of potassium, fibre and a wide array of other micronutrients and unique phytochemical compounds means that they can contribute meaningfully to reducing one’s risk of common health concerns like type 2 diabetes and hypertension, both of which can cause damage to the eye over time if left uncontrolled.

But there’s more to spinach and swiss chard than that, with 1 cup cooked of either of these leafy greens representing extremely rich sources of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin which are considered uniquely important for long-term vision and eye health.

Both of these compounds are concentrated in the retina, with multiple human studies demonstrating that increased exposure to these nutrients can protect the eye against macular degeneration risk over time.

Other leafy greens like kale and collards also have significant amounts, in all cases the cooked versions of these greens have more of these compounds than raw.

Presenter: Dr. David Maberley, Ophthalmologist, Ottawa, ON

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Eye health and the Health Benefits of Spinach, Chard and Kale

Questions
 
True
False
1

Swiss chard and kale are common leafy greens. They contain a rich variety of nutritional benefits including potassium, fiber, a wide variety of micronutrients and phytochemical compounds. These make them a great choices when preventing conditions such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension, both of which can cause damage to the eyes over time.

Explanation:

Their rich content of potassium, fibre and a wide array of other micronutrients and unique phytochemical compounds means that they can contribute meaningfully to reducing one’s risk of common health concerns like type 2 diabetes and hypertension, both of which can cause damage to the eye over time if left uncontrolled.

2

2 cups cooked of either of these leafy greens represent a very rich source of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin which are uniquely important for longer-term vision and eye health.

Explanation:

1 cup cooked of either of these leafy greens represent an extremely rich source of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin which are considered uniquely important for long-term vision and eye health.

3

Studies have shown that zeaxanthin and lutein are both found in the retina and that increased levels of these nutrients can be protective against macular degeneraion of the eye.

Explanation:

Both lutein and zeaxanthin are concentrated in the retina, with multiple human studies demonstrating that increased exposure to these nutrients can protect the eye against macular degeneration risk over time.

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This content is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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