When it comes to taking care of your eyes, eating healthily is a great place to start. Your diet plays a major role in maintaining your visual health and preventing the development of vision problems. Most people know that carrots are good for your eyes—they contain high levels of beta-carotene, a vitamin A precursor, which helps maintain your visual health—but there are a number of other foods you can incorporate into your diet that will also help keep your eyes healthy.
Read on as your dependable eye doctors from Southwest Vision Center share four foods that promote visual health:
1. Kale and Other Leafy Green Vegetables
These foods contain high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin which have potent antioxidative properties, preventing premature breakdown of your eye tissues. Studies also show that eating these vegetables regularly can reduce your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Some other good examples are spinach, collards, and broccoli.
2. Salmon and Other Deep-Ocean Fish
Salmon, sardines, and tuna are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain lubrication in your eyes and prevent dry eyes. This can also help make wearing contact lenses even more comfortable. Deep-ocean fish are also positively associated with fewer cases of macular degeneration and other age-related eye diseases.
3. Oranges and Other Citrus Fruits
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps boost your immune system, strengthening your resistance against eye infections. It also helps in the normal functioning of your visual system. Eating oranges daily can prevent or at least delay the development or progression of AMD, cataracts, and other eye conditions. Lemons, grapefruit, and strawberries are some other good sources of Vitamin C.
4. Black-Eyed Peas and Legumes
Nuts, peas, and legumes have significant amounts of lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin E. Your trusted optometrist explains that they also contain mono and polyunsaturated fats that help in the absorption of these carotenoids. They are reliable sources of zinc as well, a mineral that protects your eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet or blue light.
With healthy eating, you can expect healthy eyesight even in your golden years. For more great food for the eyes, call us at (269) 241-0033 for Buchanan, (269) 241-0032 for Three Rivers, and (269) 241-0031 for Edwardsburg. We serve Granger, IN, and Three Rivers, MI.