You may already be aware that eating a well-rounded diet full of nutrient-rich foods is beneficial for your overall health, but did you know that the food you eat can also help protect your eyes? There are a number of eye-healthy foods that can be found in a variety of places. A healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins is crucial to promoting vision health and helping you avoid eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and AMD.
Fish such as salmon, tuna, cod and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of dry eye syndrome as well as slow or even prevent age-related macular degeneration and other serious eye diseases. Omega-3 fatty acids are also believed to help protect the cornea and the mucous membranes in the eyes.
Leafy greens are another nutrient-rich food that helps promote eye health. These vegetables, including kale, collard greens, spinach and turnip greens, are rich in the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants act as natural sunblock for the eyes, filtering out damaging blue light that can damage retinal cells and lead to macular degeneration or even cataracts.
Orange foods, such as carrots, sweet potatoes and cantaloupe are also great for your eyes. These nutrient-rich fruits and veggies are high in beta-carotene, which has been shown to improve night vision and your eyes’ ability to adjust to darkness. A single sweet potato also contains more than half the daily value of vitamin C and a small amount of eye-healthy vitamin E.
Zinc is another eye-healthy nutrient. Zinc supports the structure of the lens and the cornea, as well as the blood vessels in the eyes and the immune system. You can find zinc in a variety of foods, including poultry, fish and nuts.
Nuts and seeds are also good for the eyes, especially those that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts, flax seeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds. They are also high in the antioxidants vitamin E and zeaxanthin. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and has been shown to reduce oxidative stress that can lead to eye problems.
Aside from consuming the right foods for your eye health, it’s important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. This can help to prevent dehydration, which in turn can cause dry eyes and other symptoms. For more information on the best diet for your eyes, talk to a doctor or visit a health fair. They can provide further information on how the food you eat affects your eye health and recommend any additional supplements you might need.