Protecting your eyes from disease and from potentially losing that flawless 20/20 vision can be as simple as knowing which foods to incorporate into your daily food regimen. Consuming junk foods regularly not only packs on the extra pounds, but comes at the cost of missing out on core preventative ingredients in healthier foods that maintain perfect eye health. And of course, if you’re the type that avoids seeing the eye doctor all costs, then even bigger incentive exists to keep your eyes in good shape.
With the right mixing and matching of food groups, trips to the doctor can be kept minimal and risk of vision loss – whether it is a reduction of the 20/20 figure or blindness – can be nearly eliminated altogether. Let’s look at some foods that can bulwark your eye health.
1. Carrots.
Your mother taught you well when she advised sticking to carrot sticks to keep your eyes in tip-top shape. Packed with the antioxidant beta carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A, carrots are helpful in defending against basic eye diseases like cataracts. One might advise keeping the orange-colored vegetable to a minimum, however – overconsumption of beta-carotene has been known to cause development of a (temporarily) orange skin tone.
2. Eggs.
Although it is true that eggs can build more cholesterol than your body needs, it may also be true that the positives outweigh the negatives of daily egg consumption. Up to two eggs per day can result in the absorption of zeaxanthin and lutein, which protect against cataracts and macular degeneration. Ironically, lutein is also said to be beneficial to heart health.
3. Salmon.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to maintaining healthy eyes, and wild salmon happens to be loaded with them. Seafood in general concentrates its nourishing qualities on the nerves of the retina, further aiding in fending off age-related macular degeneration. Consumers might also look at implementing small amounts of shrimp, shellfish, sardines and – essentially – any seafood that starts with an “S” into their diet.
4. Turkey.
The big bird contains a heavy amount of zinc and niacin, which proves to not only be a wise alternative to beef-consumption, but effective in lowering your risk of being struck by cataracts.
5. Spinach.
Popeye had the right idea when he downed can after can of spinach – the leafy green is high in beta carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, and even Vitamin C. These interact with each other to create a shield that protects the retina from the sun’s rays as well as decreases the likelihood of macular degeneration.
6. Broccoli.
Arguably the best veggie for the eyes, broccoli contains lutein, zeaxanthin, Vitamin C and small traces of beta-carotene. Look for broccoli with a darker pigment; the darker the color, the more lutein packed inside.
7. Ostrich?
Certainly an odd food for the eyes, but healthy nonetheless. This meat (which is also a great, lean alternative to beef and other meats) strengthens the eyes with high levels of protein, iron, and zinc, the latter of which reinforces enzymes that sustain retinal health.
This is a guest post from ReplaceMyContacts.com, where you can find discount contact lenses online in a variety of brands including Acuvue Oasys, Freshlook, and Air Optix.
