Fresh willow and fruit tree bee pollen (Organic)

Two Main Causes of Visual Impairment

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Also known as white spot disease, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degeneration of the central region of the retina. It causes great fear because it ultimately leads to irreversible blindness. Defined by the World Health Organization as a chronic and progressive illness, AMD is a health issue that requires management over several years. It is linked to several factors, particularly diet. The first signs of the disease are usually subtle and can be overlooked because a decline in vision in an aging person is often attributed to natural aging. To ensure that AMD is treated in time, here are a few potentially indicative signs:

• Decreased contrast sensitivity
• Appearance of a dark central spot
• Distortion of straight lines
• Decreased visual acuity

The progression of AMD begins in a very insidious manner. The macula (the central part of the retina), normally colored yellow by lutein and zeaxanthin, first starts to depigment. It becomes sensitive to light, and particularly to the wavelength that produces blue light. The cells of the retina, cones and rods, begin to die. They detach from the retina and form what ophthalmologists call drusen.

These cell clusters disrupt the functioning of the underlying cells that are still alive. In the natural progression of AMD, these drusen will only disappear when no more retinal cells die to join them. Generally, this occurs when the retina has irreversibly lost all the cells of the macula. The subject can then no longer read, recognize people, or drive.

Peripheral vision is never affected and can, after rehabilitation, restore a slight degree of visual comfort.

Cataracts

This is the leading cause of blindness in the world. It is caused by an opacity or damage to the lens. In France, 200,000 people undergo surgery each year and regain good vision. 5% of cases experience infectious, inflammatory, or hemorrhagic complications. Before the operation, individuals suffer from a disabling decrease in vision. The surgery is never very pleasant, even less so as the person gets older.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two essential nutrients to ensure the protection of the retina and the lens. They protect the macula (also called the yellow spot), an area of the retina that directly influences the level of visual acuity.

Oxidative Stress Process

High-energy lights, mainly the blue and ultraviolet parts of the spectrum, are those that most easily trigger the formation of free radicals. Screens, in particular, emit peaks of blue light known as High Energy Visible (HEV) light. Scientific research has concluded that prolonged exposure to artificial HEV light radiation causes photochemical damage to the retina and the lens.

"Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated that this blue light is indeed a risk factor for AMD," recalls Prof. Serge Picaud. The involvement of blue light in the development of cataracts is also suspected. Overexposure to screens (tablets, televisions, computers, smartphones) causes two types of deleterious effects on the retina:

• short-term phototoxic effects related to acute exposure
• long-term effects related to chronic exposure, which increase the risk of developing AMD

Beyond this toxicity which can lead to a decline in vision, evidence also highlights a risk of disrupting biological rhythms and sleep in the event of exposure, even low, to blue light in the evening or at night. The cells of the retina are very rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are highly sensitive to attacks by free radicals, and the strong vascularization of the retina involves a significant supply of oxygen, thus increasing the risk of oxidation.

When large numbers of free radicals damage the retina, micro-scars form locally, and tiny cellular debris accumulates in the macular region. This results in the degeneration of this area, and vitamin A is no longer transported normally. This prevents the regeneration of the photoreceptors responsible for visual acuity (cones and rods). It progressively impairs central vision, which is irreversible and inoperable, while lateral vision remains preserved.

A growing number of studies suggest that the onset of this degeneration could be delayed and even prevented by consuming foods rich in antioxidants.

Pollen Xanthophylls: A Crucial Nutritional Benefit

The eyes are a reflection of our overall health. In fact, pathologies of various organs can be detected by examining the iris and the retina. To combat the aggressions that impair its functioning, the eye relies on yellow carotenoid pigments: xanthophylls.

These two xanthophylls are capable of absorbing harmful light radiation. Lutein and zeaxanthin thus act as filters and are capable, like all carotenoids, of trapping free radicals inside the eye. These natural pigments are notably present in chicken egg yolks, cabbage, spinach, turnips, salads, zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, mangoes, nectarines… And in certain pollens!

In 1994, a study involving nearly a thousand patients showed that those whose diet was richest in carotenoids had a 43% lower risk of suffering from eye disorders, especially when their diet included very green leafy vegetables (cabbage, spinach). Thus, it appears that the onset of eye pathologies can be prevented by including enough carotenoid-rich foods in one's diet.

In our countries, the average consumption of lutein is 1 to 2 mg per day, whereas studies have confirmed that 6 to 10 mg would be preferable.

The benefits of fresh pollen for protection against degenerative eye diseases is a completely new concept. It emerged from a research study undertaken in 1999 by Patrice Percie du Sert on the fatty substances in fresh pollen, in collaboration with the ITERG (Institute of Fats and Oils in Bordeaux).

Focus on Fruit Willow Pollen

When pollen analyses are performed, prunus pollen is often found in addition to willow pollen, as they bloom at the same time. This mixture is particularly beneficial for the eyes, because prunus contains good doses of lutein. A proportion of 60% willow and 40% prunus is ideal for providing both zeaxanthin and lutein.

Aristée fruit willow pollen can perfectly fit into a comprehensive dietary strategy specifically designed to prevent eye aging and preserve vision. If you are a senior citizen keen on protecting your eye health for as long as possible, be assured of its benefits and adopt this pollen, which contains both lutein and zeaxanthin, at a rate of one tablespoon per day starting at breakfast. For better intestinal absorption of these fat-soluble pigments, it is recommended to combine the intake of fresh pollen with lipids. For example, sprinkle the pollen over a Budwig cream made with flaxseed oil.

Due to its great nutritional richness, both in terms of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and macronutrients (plant proteins, etc.), willow or fruit willow pollen is particularly suited to today's diet to remedy the nutritional sub-deficiencies of our overly refined modern food. Pollen supplementation is only truly beneficial if done over a long period. It takes six months to achieve a noticeable improvement in macular pigment density.

Antioxidants as the Second Line of Defense

Vitamins C, E, selenium, and other carotenoids ensure the defense of the eye, whose good state of health declines with age. Their role is to neutralize free radicals, especially during the early stages of aging.

With an ORAC score of 25,300 µmoles per 100 g, willow and fruit willow pollens also constitute real assets for preserving vision thanks to their antioxidant activity. You can also opt for fresh cistus pollen, which is the richest in carotenoids. We recommend alternating this pollen with fruit willow pollen at a rate of one tray out of every 3 or 4.

Other Advice

The best way to protect your eyes is still through prevention. At the beach as well as in the mountains, in summer as well as in winter, wearing sunglasses remains the best option available to you to protect your eyes from the dangers of UV rays.