12 Feb , 18:54
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Russian and foreign medical professionals are raising alarm: the beloved potato, which holds an honorable place in millions of people's diets, may pose a serious threat to eye health.
Historical fact: potatoes, which appeared in Russia during Peter I's reign, didn't immediately win popular love. However, today the average Russian consumes about 90 kg of this vegetable per year.
According to recent studies, excessive potato consumption may increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) - a condition that is one of the main causes of vision loss in people over 50. Statistics show that about 10% of the population in developed countries suffers from AMD.
Leading ophthalmologist of the "Healthy Vision" clinic, Dr. Anna Svetlova explains: "The high glycemic index of potatoes provokes sharp spikes in blood sugar, which can lead to inflammatory processes in the retina. Fried potatoes and chips are especially dangerous."
Expert recommendations:
Limit potato consumption
Prefer boiled or baked potatoes
Include foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin in your diet
Consume more fatty fish containing omega-3