Healthy Foods, Healthy Sight
You’ve most likely heard that carrots can promote eye health and vision. Is it an old wives tale or is it true? Believe it or not, there is some truth to this tale and better yet, there are many other foods that can also help your eyesight.
Carrots: This orange-colored vegetable that we all love is high in a type of vitamin A called Beta-carotene. This vitamin gives carrots their orange color, helps retina and other parts of the eye to function and perform to its best ability.
Leafy Greens: Ah yes, you should’ve known this one was coming. Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are packed with Lutein and Zeaxanthin, antioxidants that lower your risk of developing Macular Degeneration and Cataracts.
Eggs: Another food that is packed with Lutein and Zeaxanthin, plus Zinc. Zinc also helps lower your risk of developing Macular Degeneration. (p.s. most of these vitamins are in the yolk, the best part!)
Citrus and Berries: Can you guess which vitamin is key here? Vitamin C- which also helps lower your risk of developing Macular Degeneration and Cataracts.
Almonds: Rich in vitamin E, which slows down Macular Degeneration. By consuming one handful (an ounce) checks off about half of your necessary daily dose of vitamin E.
Fatty Fish: Tuna, mackerel, anchovies, salmon and trout are all rich in DHA, a fatty acid in your retina. Lower levels of DHA have been linked to dry eye syndrome. Eat more fish and get your glossy eyes back.
Dark Chocolate: Yes, we saved the best for last! Consuming dark chocolate, in moderation, of course, protects your eyes against Macular Degeneration, enhances visual performance in young adults by increasing blood flow to the retina and brain, prevents damage to to the optic nerve with its copper components, and prevents further damage in Glaucoma patients.
Protect your precious vision and eat right, while enjoying a little chocolate, too! And remember, always get your annual eye examination! Call us at (941) 756-2020 to make your appointment today.