The world seems to be going crazy about having a healthy diet recently but do you know what you should be eating to boost your eye health? In this blog post, we will discuss the best foods for your eyes that you should be including on your plate regularly.
Fish
Cold-water fish which are rich in Omega 3, for example; salmon, tuna and mackerel are often overlooked in the modern diet but this should change. They can help to protect you from dry eyes, macular degeneration and may even fight off cataracts. If you don’t eat fish, you can also eat a selection of nuts or take Omega 3 supplements which will have the same effects.
Greens
We were all told as a child to eat our greens but you really should eat them! Vegetables like spinach and kale include plant pigments (lutein and zeaxanthin) which are full of powerful antioxidants which are good for your eyes. These antioxidants can help to put the development of macular degeneration and cataracts at bay.
Eggs
Eggs boost eye health and functionality because of their abundance of vitamins and nutrients including, lutein and vitamin A. This may protect you from night blindness and dry eyes.
Whole Grains
Swapping refined carbohydrates for quinoa, brown rice and whole-wheat breads and pasta can help reduce your risk of age-related macular degeneration. These can also promote overall eye health from the vitamin E, zinc and niacin found in whole grains.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits such as; oranges, lemons and grapefruits are rich in vitamin C, which can possibly reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Berries also have a high vitamin C level.
Colourful Fruit and Vegetables
Carotenoids, the compounds found in colourful fruits and vegetables such as; strawberries, carrots, peppers, tomatoes and sweetcorn are considered to help decrease the risk of many eye diseases.
Beans and Pulses
The sources of zinc and bioflavonoids found in foods like kidney beans, black-eyed beans and lentils can help protect the retina and lower the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts.
By incorporating these foods into your regular diet, it may help to reduce your risk of certain eye diseases but you should still attend bi-annual eye examinations for a professional assessment.
To book an appointment with Broadhurst Optometrists, call:-
Preston: 01772 822591
Lytham: 01253 734791