Foods to Boost Your Eye Health

‘Eat your carrots. They’re good for your eyes.’ We all grew up with this phrase repeated to us over and over. Carrots were once believed to be the super food that promotes eye health. However, science has gone beyond carrots.

While it is true that beta-carotene (vitamin A that occurs in carrots) promotes smooth eye function, there are many more nutrients required for better eye health. If you want to boost your eye health, you ought to consider a wider variety of foods with various nutrients that work towards improving eye health.

Fish

Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and tuna are great for protecting your eyes from drying. The omega-3 fatty acids also work to prevent macular degeneration as well as the development of cataracts.

Include fatty fish in your diet to not only improve your eye health but also benefit your bones, heart and brain. If you don’t like fish or other seafood, you can get Omega-3s by including fish oil supplements or flaxseed oils in your diet.

Green leafy vegetables

Spinach is for much more than building Popeye-sized muscles. Green leafy vegetables such as collard greens, spinach, broccoli and kale play a vital role in protecting your eyes. They contain zeaxanthin and lutein. These two ingredients are key in preventing macular degeneration and cell damage in the eyes.

Eating those leafy greens will help to prevent degenerative eye diseases that can result in the complete loss of vision. Incorporate these vegetables in your daily diet if you want to maintain your vision for longer.

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein. If you’re in the habit of eating only egg whites, be sure to incorporate egg yolks once in a while. Egg yolks are a great source of zeaxanthin, lutein and zinc. These are all critical ingredients in reducing the risk of developing macular degeneration.

Berries and citrus fruits

Fruits are a great source of vitamins that are vital for the functions in our bodies. Citrus fruits and berries are especially rich in Vitamin C, which is vital for protecting the eyes from the development of cataracts as well as macular degeneration.

Citrus fruits also contain high levels of beta-carotene. This is the precursor for Vitamin A, which has been shown to promote healthy vision. Vitamin A helps in improving retina function to enable you to adjust to low light levels. It helps to prevent night vision.

To learn more about your eyes, talk to an eye care specialist today or read about the anatomy of your eyes.