249. Eating brightly colored fruits and vegetables with carotenoids improves women’s health
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
Eating brightly colored fruits and vegetables with carotenoids might improve the eye and brain health of women. In a new study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience, researchers at the University of Georgia looked at the dietary intake of carotenoids like lycopene, which is found in tomatoes, as well as beta-carotene and lutein, which are found in leafy green vegetables and eggs. They found that higher intake of carotenoids may be important for preventing visual and cognitive loss. They noted higher intake was associated with lower incidence of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration and potentially lower rates of dementia. These carotenoids appear to decrease the oxidative stress to the brain. While eating foods high in carotenoids might lead to a number of positive health outcomes, taking them instead as nutritional supplements might not produce the same benefits.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
