March 15, 2015
Are your eyes getting all the nutrients they need to prevent macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and other vision problems? There are several foods that you can eat as part of a regular, healthy diet that can help you maintain your vision. Remember the myth that carrots are good for your eyes and can help you see in the dark? Well, it’s not entirely a myth! Check out some of the best foods to eat to help your eyes.
Kale
A rich source of zeaxanthin and lutein, this leafy green is believed to protect eye tissues from damage from the sun and lower the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Its recent growth in popularity has its reasons—and its benefits. Its “superfood” status gives your eyes what they need! Other good sources of these nutrients include spinach, turnip greens, collard greens, peas, broccoli, red grapes, oranges, yellow squash, kiwi, mangoes, corn, and honeydew melon.
Sweet Potatoes
A good source of beta carotene, these spuds help slow the progression of macular degeneration. Your body changes beta carotene to vitamin A, a nutrient that helps stop night blindness and dry eyes. It can also help battle an eye infection. You can also find beta carotene in other deep orange foods like butternut squash, carrots, and dark green foods like collard greens and spinach. Milk, liver, and eggs are other good sources of vitamin A.
Strawberries
Juicy, fresh strawberries are good for your eyes and have a lot of vitamin C, an antioxidant that can help lessen your cataract risk.
Salmon
Omega-3 fatty acids can help to relieve dry eyes. Healthy fats from salmon or other kinds of fish, avocado, walnuts, olive oil, olives, or flax seed are a healthy and tasty way to care for your eyes each day.
Green Tea
More than delicious and relaxing, a cup of green tea has antioxidants that could help lower your risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts. It has been discovered that eye tissue can absorb these antioxidants, so it could be that the cup of green tea you had was more than just relaxing. Other foods that are high in catechins are chocolate, red wine, apples, and berries.
