Canned tuna may prevent eyesight degeneration

The U.S. Tuna Foundation, a trade association representing U.S. tuna processors and U.S. tuna boat owners, recently released a statement about a study by the Harvard School of Public Health showing a link between canned tuna consumption and reduced macular (retinal) degeneration, reports BW Healthwire. The studay was recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The Centre for Science in the Public Interest​ highlighted this study in its May 2001 Nutrition Action Healthletter, stating "in a study of more than 70,000 men and women, those who ate canned tuna more than once a week had a 40 percent lower risk of age-related macular degeneration than those who ate it less than once a month."​ Degeneration of the macula - the centre of the retina - is a leading cause of blindness in older people with few treatments. Stated Randi Thomas of the US Tuna Foundation: "While not conclusive, this new study released by the Harvard School of Public Health​ just adds to the long list of startling health benefits scientists believe are provided by the omega-3s found in canned tuna. Recently published studies have also linked seafood consumption to helping prevent strokes, aiding in the treatment of mental disorders such as depression, and even in the treatment of arthritis."​ The Nutrition Action Healthletter wrote: "… It is too early to say that fish protects vision, but given the growing evidence that it prevents heart attacks and strokes, it makes sense to shoot for several servings a week."​ Sandi Thomas said: "With the growing weight of evidence, canned tuna may soon be considered a widely used health food, in addition to being a delicious, convenient product."​ Source: Business Wire​