We understand that many people eat foods that look good to the eyes, but how about eating foods that are good for the eyes? Eating a well-balanced diet is necessary to help maintain your overall health. Eating a diet that is poor in nutrition that is full of junk food can actually put your eyes at risk. Healthy, nutritious foods are the key to minimizing the risk of developing eye diseases and infections.
Nutrition and eye health are interrelated. This is why it is important to think about adding certain foods to your diet to help maintain healthy eyes and vision. By adding in extra vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and carotenoids easily found in many vegetables, fruits and other whole foods, you can help keep your eyes in tip top shape. With the help of eating a healthy, balanced diet, many serious eye conditions and complications can be avoided.
It is best to eat a variety of foods that range in different colours to make sure that you are getting nutrition from all different kinds of sources. Foods that contain nutrients and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids should be included in order to maintain healthy vision. These are vital antioxidants that reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Here are some top foods to eat to take care of your eyes. Many of these food items are available all year round and also at fair prices. The nutrient-rich foods best for eye care include:
Fish
Fish like tuna, sardines, salmon, etc., are great sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are known as healthy fats. These healthy fatty acids contribute to healthy retina and vision development. Eating these types of fish containing good fatty acids helps to prevent and even reverse certain eye conditions like dry eyes.
Carrot
Carrots have been universally well-known to be good for the eyes. Carrots contain lutein and zeaxanthin and beta-carotene, which convert to vitamin A in the body. These nutrients help us maintain better eyesight and maintain the surface of the eye. Eating carrots regularly will also help prevent eye infections and other serious eye conditions.
Kale
Kale contains a lot of vital vitamins, nutrients and minerals that are great for eye health. This superfood has antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which help prevent eye conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Eggs
Eggs are great for maintaining eye health. Egg yolks contain all vital nutrients like vitamin Z, lutein, zeaxanthin and zinc, which are used by the body for healthy eyes. Vitamin A is vital for protecting the cornea, while lutein and zeaxanthin help reduce risks of serious eye conditions. Zinc is an essential nutrient for the health of the retina.
Almonds
Almonds contain vitamin E, which fights against unstable molecules that target healthy eye tissues. This is why eating almonds can help reduce chances of age-related degenerative eye conditions.
If you have questions regarding the best foods to eat for your eye health, Orangeville Optometric Centre can help. Whether you need an eye exam, eyeglass frames, laser eye surgery or an eye test, our optometrists can help. If you are in the Orangeville area, contact us for all of your eye care needs today!
