Glycemic index is a measure of how quickly the carbohydrates in foods are converted to sugar, or glucose. White rice, pasta and white bread are examples of foods with a high-glycemic-index, which are associated with a faster rise and subsequent drop in sugar.

AMD is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. It results from the breakdown of light-sensitive cells in the central region of the eye’s retina (macula). While there is no definitive therapy for AMD, a proper diet can be used to delay the retina’s degradation. Improper diet as a key risk factor is critical information for an aging population, i.e., the boomer generation.

One more reason to get on the path of correct nutrition.

First steps: avoid and minimize refined carbohydrates, and replacing them with their lower glycemic index versions, i.e, whole grains. More importantly, tweak your diet so that you eat a variety of fresh and cooked leafy greens and other vegetables.

Here’s one recipe, from Madhur Jaffrey’s World of the East Vegetarian Cooking:

1 cup chickpea flour, firmly packed (available from Indian groceries as “Chana Flour”)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 ground turmeric

1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 cup vegetable oil (or pam spray) to coat the skillet.

Sift flour into a bowl. Slowly add 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons at a time. Stir well with a wooden spoon, breaking the lumps. Add another 1/2 cup water, salt, turmeric, and cayenne. Stir to mix.

Pour and spread the batter thinly on a hot skillet. Cover hot skillet and let pancake cook for 7-8 minutes.

Serve with chutney or dipping sauce of your choice.