People who have impaired vision or a family history of retinal health problems may be concerned that certain illnesses, such as Macular Degeneration, will someday affect them. While genetics can play a definitive role, research suggests that other factors exist besides heredity. The health of a person’s eyes may also be extremely impacted by their diet. As your optometrist in Lake Worth, we understand how important eye health is. In this article, we will look over the connection between diet and Macular Degeneration.
By including whole foods that contain nutrients that increase vision in your diet, you and your loved ones can ensure that you are obtaining the nutrients necessary to maintain healthy vision and eye health. These include leafy greens, which contain phytochemicals, and citrus fruits, which are rich in antioxidants. And salmon is oily and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It is possible to avoid cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by adding specific vitamins and nutrients into your diet, such as zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. Eating a diet high in fat and highly processed foods can also play an extreme role in the risk of having eye problems. Conditions like diabetes or dehydration can have an impact on long-term vision issues and ocular diseases.
Which Nutrients and Vitamins Could Be Helpful for Eye Health?
According to your optometrist in Lake Worth, the following vitamins and nutrients, when combined with diets high in vitamin C, maybe most advantageous for eye health;
- Lutein and zeaxanthin, two phytochemicals, reduce the risk of cataract development and age-related macular degeneration in addition to other chronic eye illnesses.
- Healthy fats: “Healthy” fats are crucial for supplying energy to cells and enhancing the performance of the central nervous system. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in particular, are essential for the development of vision and the maintenance of healthy retinal and ocular function.
- When combined with other nutrients that are beneficial to the health of the eyes, vitamin C can help to delay the start of age-related macular degeneration and blurry vision, in addition to reducing the risk of cataract development.
- Zinc: Found in large concentrations in the eye, this trace mineral aids in the movement of vitamin A from the liver to the retina, where it aids in the production of melanin, a pigment that is necessary for eye protection.
- Antioxidant vitamin E guards the eyes from dangerous free radicals, which are erratic chemicals that wreak havoc on healthy tissue.
Which Foods Are Optimal for Vision and Eye Health?
The foods that provide the nutrients proven to enhance eye health and function are the best for vision and eye health. From your optometrist in Lake Worth, below are some great options to add to your diet for optimal eye health;
- Fish: A great source of omega-3 acids is manly fish, or fish with oil in their body tissue and stomach. Tuna, sardines, trout, mackerel, and herring are among the fish that have high EDA and DHA content.
- Broccoli: Rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, broccoli is a simple way to add nutrition and vitamin C to a variety of recipes.
- Nuts and legumes: Certain nuts are an excellent and convenient source of nutrients that are good for the eyes because they are high in omega-3s and vitamin E. Nuts like walnuts, cashews, lentils, and Brazil nuts are healthy options.
- Seeds: A variety of seeds, such as chia and hemp seeds, are high in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Fruits that aid the eyes: Fruits that aid the eyes, such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, are excellent providers of vitamin C.
- Eggs: Rich in protein and packed with omega-3s, lutein, and vitamin E, eggs are a powerful source of eye support. Some types, such as some organic and free-range brands, claim to have twice as many omega-3s as other types, along with significantly higher levels of vitamin E and lutein.
- Leafy greens: Rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, leafy greens like spinach and kale also contain vitamin C. According to some research, boiling greens improves the body’s ability to absorb lutein.
- Beef: Beef has higher quantities of zinc, a crucial trace mineral, than other meats like chicken and pork loin. Other foods that include zinc are beans, almonds, and some yogurts.
