How nutrition plays an important role in maintaining good health and healthy eyes?
Answers
We usually focus on our heart, muscles and bone health but neglect our eye health, which is equally important if we want to continue to see in our future. Keeping your eyes healthy is important to prevent any age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration, vision loss, dry eyes and problems with night vision.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration. They protect against the damaging effects of cigarette smoke, air pollution, and sunlight.
Eat green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, brocoli, eggs, pumpkin and kiwi and grapes which have high amounts of antioxidants.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A includes beta-carotene which helps the retina, cornea and other eye tissues function properly and are also known to help with seeing at night.
Eat fish, eggs, milk, pumpkin, spinach and sweet potatoes.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C lowers the risk of developing cataracts and slows down the development of age-related macular degeneration.
Eat oranges, berries, papaya, peppers and brussels sprouts.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which protects the cells of your eyes from the damage caused by free radicals which destroy the healthy tissues
Eat almonds, sunflower seeds, wheat germ oils, vegetable oils, peanut butter and sweet potatoes.
Essential Fatty Acids
There are two types of omega-3 fatty acids: the ones found in plants are called ALA and the oily EPA and DHA ones found in fish. Fatty acids play an important role in visual development and retinal function.
Eat salmon, tuna, trout, mackerel, green vegetables, and walnuts.
Zinc
Zinc helps transfer the minerals from the Vitamin A in your liver to your retina to produce a protective pigment in your eyes called melanin.
Eat oysters, red meat, baked beans, whole grains, and eggs.
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet has been linked with a number of health benefits such as preventing obesity, diabetes, and cancer and helping us maintain good vision. Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration