Brightly coloured yellow and green vegetables have sight-enhancing properties similar to carrots, according to new research.
A study at the University of Wisconsin showed that sweetcorn, broccoli, peas and squash contain compounds lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect against eyesight damage, according to the Journal of Ophthalmology.
The compounds are carotenoids - carrots contain beta-carotene - the substances that give the produce its colour.
The substances have been found to fight age-realted macular degeneration (AMD) by absorbing damaging blue light, protecting against free radicals, and strengthening the eye.
The analysis found that high consumption of these fruit and vegetables was associated with a reduced risk of AMD in post-menopausal women.
AMD is the leading cause of blindness in old people in developed countries and occurs when the region at the back of the retina deteriorates over time.
The scientists concluded that higher intakes of the compounds over 15 years were associated with a reduced risk of intermediate-stage AMD in women under 75.
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