Nutrition is not a crutch, it’s a preventive measure.
When we think of what eye doctors and surgeons do for the eyes, it’s usually in the form of a crutch (eye glasses and contacts) or reactive surgery (for cataracts, etc).
But did you realize there are certain nutrients that can save your eyes from some of the most troublesome and debilitating eye diseases?
Your eyes need a blood supply
The eyes have a lot of working parts, and all of these need a healthy blood supply.
The blood vessels of the eye are tiny, but if they are not carrying enough blood then the physical structure of the eye may deteriorate. The result can be cataracts, glaucoma, retinopathy, etc.
Nutrients your eyes need
Eye health depends on certain nutrients for optimum health. These include vitamins A and C, bioflavonoids, carotenoids, omega 3 fatty acids, minerals and antioxidants.
7 super foods that feed your eyes:
- Carrots. Carrots contain beta-carotene that your body converts into vitamin A.
- Beets contain lutein and zeaxanthin, good for eye health and common age-related eye problems involving the macula and retina.
- Spinach. A great source of vitamin A, spinach also contains other important eye nutrients including lutein and zeaxathin.
- Tomatoes. High in vitamin C and lycopene.
- Fish oils. High in omega 3 fatty acids.
- Acerola berries. High in vitamin C.
- Bilberry. The flavonoids in bilberry feed the tiny blood vessels of the eyes and lower ocular pressure. (Clinical Ophthalmology 2010, Volume 4, Pages 471-476)
Try consuming more of the above superfoods and give your eyes the nutritional support they need to be at their best!
photo © 2006 Ana Ulin