''Consuming two tablespoonfuls of olive oil a day helps to prevent eye diseases.''

We can now add yet another to the innumerable known benefits of consuming olive oil. Scientists at the University of Sydney, in collaboration with the Centre for Eye Research, have discovered that olive oil is beneficial for optical health. This is because consuming it regularly helps to fight against age-related macular degeneration. This disease damages the retina in people over the age of 60 and is the second biggest cause of blindness in the elderly after diabetes.

The team of researchers, led by Jennifer S.L. Tan, studied a sample of 2,454 participants in an experiment called the Blue Mountains Eye Study which began in 1992 and continued until 1994. Participants completed a food frequency questionnaire which was then analysed to determine their consumption of various fatty acids. The researchers then used digital photographs of the retina to evaluate any development of macular degeneration 5 and then 10 years later.

The results, adjusted for factors such as age, gender and smoking habits, showed that the consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids like omega-3 and regular consumption of olive oil, fish and nuts can protect against premature eye damage. Such sources of fatty acids help to prevent the accumulation of arterial plaques and to reduce inflammation. They also help to prevent the obstruction of blood vessels and cell damage resulting from oxygen in the retina.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a US government agency responsible for protecting public health, the ideal daily consumption of olive oil is 2 tablespoonfuls per person per day. Moreover, it is certainly worth taking into account that although all olive oils contain monounsaturated fats, those classified as virgin and extra virgin are the most beneficial for optical and cardiac health. This is due to the fact that they have the highest content of polyphenols, an antioxidant that is is essential for the body in order to fight potential diseases.