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Hawthorn extract, according to a new animal study. In tests on rat pups, scientists discovered that eye drops containing hawthorn extract helped fight cataracts by revving up antioxidant activity.

The world's leading cause of blindness, cataracts develop when fibers in the lens of the eye clump together and result in blurred vision (or complete blindness, if left untreated). In previously published population studies, researchers have found that loading up on lutein and zeaxanthin (antioxidants found in yellow or dark-green leafy vegetables) and omega-3 fatty acids (healthy fats found in flaxseed and certain fish) may help reduce risk of cataracts.

Often touted as a natural remedy for heart health, hawthorn extract has been shown to keep blood pressure in check and prevent atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries) in past research.Hawthorn May Fight Cataract Development originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 06:00:20.Permalink | Comment | Email this