Nutrients That Support Healthy Eyes
- Posted on: Jan 30 2016
Consuming the right foods and beverages can help you stay healthy while the wrong food and drinks can make it harder. The same principle goes for the health of your eyes. The right nutrients can help keep your eyes healthy—keep reading to learn about specific nutrients that support healthy eyes.
Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene is a type of vitamin A that is important to the retina and supports healthy night vision.
Carrots are famously good for your eyes because they come with plenty of beta-carotene, but there are many other healthy sources of beta-carotene in addition to carrots. Other good sources of beta-carotene include cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, and other orange colored fruits and vegetables.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are less well known that beta-carotene, but they also help to keep your eyes healthy. Lutein and zeaxanthin are anti-oxidants that have been shown to lower your risk of cataracts or macular degeneration.
You can find these healthy antioxidants in broccoli, peas, kale, spinach, and eggs.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can prevent dry eyes, macular degeneration, and cataracts.
Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly found in fish such as salmon and nuts such as almonds and walnuts.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps your eyes stay healthy and may help to slow macular degeneration.
Many of the foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids also contain vitamin E. Almonds and sunflower seeds are two good sources of vitamin E.
Zinc
Zinc is another important nutrient that helps to keep your eyes healthy.
Good sources of zinc include peanuts, fortified breakfast cereals, lentil beans, oysters, and milk.
Vitamin C
You already know that vitamin C is an important nutrient for your whole body. It also contributes to healthy eyes—it has been shown to minimize your risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits and juices like grapefruit juice and orange juice, but it is also in broccoli, red peppers, spinach, strawberries, kiwis and many other fruits and vegetables.
A healthy balanced diet is just one part of keeping your eyes healthy. To learn more about protecting your vision contact the Roholt Vision Institute.
Posted in: Eye Care