When people change to a healthier eating regimen, they are typically concerned with external factors, such as weight loss or appearance. However, having healthy eyesight is just as important. The eyes are a part of the vascular system, so it is best to consider a heart healthy diet that is low in trans, and saturated, fats. This will allow for the blood vessels in the eyes to flow healthily and minimize blockage.
You should also be consuming foods that are rich in antioxidants, which are also known for their role in protecting the eyes from degenerative diseases, such as cataracts and age related macular degeneration. These are two of the leading causes of blindness among people over 65. You should also be supplementing your diet with Vitamin C, antioxidants, zinc, beta-carotene, and vitamin E, which can reduce the risk of degenerative eye diseases by up to 25%.
Aside from these general diet tips, it’s important to know specific foods which will help keep your eyesight as healthy as ever. That in mind, here is a list of three foods you should be eating to keep your eyesight in pristine condition.
Fish
Eating fish, cold-water variants, are your best bet. These include salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel, which are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. This fat helps protect against dry eyes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and is great for your overall eye health. You can also take fish oil supplements, if you dislike the taste of fish, to get a steady supply of omega-3 fatty acids.
Eggs
One of the most common of breakfast foods, eggs, contain numerous vitamins and nutrients, including lutein and vitamin A, which protects against dry eyes and night blindness. Eggs are also full of antioxidants and have been known to protect against damage to the eyes from UV rays.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, broccoli and collared greens, are full of luteinand and zeaxanthin. These are pigments derived from plants, and they help stave off the effects of macular degeneration, as they are rife with antioxidants.
Fish, eggs and leafy greens are just some of the many healthy foods that can promote healthy eyesight. When choosing to better your diet to attain healthy eyesight, make sure that any foods you add contain vitamins and antioxidants, as those are key to preventing degenerative eye disorders and keeping up general health and wellness in your eyes.