The Impact of Tiger Nuts on Human Visual Functions

Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Problems with the macula, particularly with macular pigment, are especially serious. The macula (yellow spot) forms the central part of the retina and is functionally responsible for sharp and detailed vision. As people age, degeneration of the macula can occur, leading to a loss of central vision. This unfortunate phenomenon of losing sharp vision is the leading cause of blindness in people over 60 years of age.

Treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) relies on various approaches, including traditional methods such as regular injections or modern innovations like gene therapies. However, modern research is also focusing on natural solutions, which seem to be the most promising path to success. For this reason, various dietary supplements, herbs, and tubers, which may have a positive impact on eye health, are increasingly the subjects of research.

Tiger Nut vs. AMD

Tiger nut has been included in the group of potential candidates for AMD prevention. It is believed that its rich composition of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants may contribute to the protection and improvement of vision. Therefore, in the following section of the article, we will review the latest scientific study conducted by the Generalitat Valenciana, a foundation for health and biomedical research, which examines the regular consumption of tiger nuts and their effects on visual acuity.

In this three-month study, 30 individuals aged 38 to 51 participated. They were instructed to consume 30 grams of tiger nuts soaked overnight daily. During this period, they also avoided "horchata" (tiger nut milk), other nuts, and increased intake of beets, spinach, broccoli, pumpkin, and carrots.

At the beginning of the experiment, each participant underwent an eye examination to determine the optical density of their macular pigment in both eyes. Additionally, blood samples were taken from each participant and divided into two test tubes. The first was used for biochemical analysis, where levels of total cholesterol, glucose, calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, uric acid, total proteins, etc., were measured. The second test tube was used for analysis of oxidative stress parameters, which measure the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in their bodies.

After the experiment (three months), all participants repeated the tests, and their results were compared with the initial ones.

Study Results

• Macular Pigment
  After three months of daily consumption of 30 g of tiger nuts, an increase in macular pigment volume was observed in both eyes of all participants. On average, the increase was found to be as high as 50%, supporting the idea of the beneficial effects of regular tiger nut consumption.

• Blood Samples
  Biochemical analyses also showed that tiger nut consumption positively affected the blood components of the participants. Not only did it significantly increase levels of total proteins and calcium, but it also reduced levels of total cholesterol (by 5%) and glucose (by 6%).

• Oxidative Stress
  Furthermore, the experiment revealed that regular consumption of tiger nuts significantly improved the antioxidant defense mechanisms in the participants' blood, thus significantly reducing oxidative damage.

Overall, the results of the study showed an increase in macular pigment volume, mainly due to the carotenoids in tiger nuts. These carotenoids accumulate in the macula, protecting it from, among other things, ultraviolet light. Consuming tiger nuts also significantly increased antioxidant activity, which helps protect the retina from oxidative stress caused by external (tobacco smoke and pollution) and internal (chemical reactions) factors.

Conclusion

Tiger nuts are a rich source of plant-based proteins, antioxidant vitamins, and carotenoids, which are essential for supporting overall health. These components are particularly beneficial for maintaining the health of the macula and should be included in the diet due to their positive effects on eye health and overall well-being.

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