Boost your eyes with green tea

　　Boost your eyes with green tea
　　This is the theory behind a new trial involving children with recurrent otitis media, an infection or inflammation of the middle ear.
　　Previous smaller studies have shown that the sugar - known as Xylitol - may block the growth of the bacteria. One study showed a 30 per cent reduction in acute attacks.
　　Otitis media often begins when bacterial infections that cause sore throats, colds or other respiratory problems spread to the middle ear.
　　Some 75 per cent of children experience at least one episode of otitis media by their third birthday, and about half of them will have three or more ear infections during that time.
　　In the trial at the Children's Hospital, Boston, the sugar, in the form of a syrup, is being given three times daily for 12 weeks.
　　Drinking green tea may improve the health of your eyes.
　　Laboratory tests showed antioxidants found in the drink can be absorbed deep inside the eye, helping to protect it against disease.
　　Antioxidants are natural chemicals that neutralise free radicals - the potentially damaging molecules linked to disease.
　　Green tea is rich in these and is said to have a wide range of health benefits, including fighting cancer.
　　Although previous studies have suggested it may reduce the risk of conditions such as glaucoma, new research confirms the eyes can actually absorb antioxidants from the blood.
　　In the study, Chinese scientists measured levels in the eye tissue of rats fed green tea.
　　They found the retina, the area at the back of the eye where images are formed, soaked up the most - while the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, absorbed the least.