Certain antioxidants in foods can lower your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Macular degeneration is a medical condition that affects adults causing loss of vision. It is the leading cause of blindness for people over the age of 55. Cataracts is when your vision clarity fades and your eyes begin to cloud, causing your vision to deteriorate, and can cause blindness. If your family history includes macular degeneration or cataracts it is important that you start to take the steps to prevent this from happening to you.
Antioxidants found in certain foods can help improve your eyesight. They won’t be able to correct your eyes, but they certainly can keep your eyes from getting worse. Here are the top antioxidant-filled foods that will help improve your eyesight:
Carrots
Carrots are packed with beta-carotene and when ingested, convert to Vitamin A. This combination of antioxidants is beneficial for your eye’s health and will keep your immunity system strong. Eat a few servings of this a day and you will get great results for your vision.
Broccoli
Broccoli is packed with Vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin – a combination of antioxidants that will protect the cells in your eyes from becoming damaged. Broccoli will help prevent and slow down macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Spinach
Pop Eye had it right! Not only is spinach a great source for protein, it’s also loaded with nutrients that will lower your risk of macular degeneration. Also packed with Lutein and Zeaxanthin which absorbs 40-90% of blue light intensity – acting like a sunscreen for your eyes. Try to include spinach in your diet on a daily basis.
Turkey
Turkey has a lot of zinc. Zinc is found in the retina and by eating foods rich in zinc, you will help the enzymes in your eyes to be healthy. If you mix turkey in a salad with other rich greens you’ve got a recipe for better eye vision!
Salmon
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Regularly eating foods with omega-3 fats will protect the blood vessels in your eyes. Omega-3 fats can also help dry eyes. Your retinal pigment cells become protected when you ingest omega-3 fatty acids and can reduce macular degeneration by 30%. Are you not a fan of fish? You can find omega-3 from walnuts or ground flaxseed!
What healthy foods do you like to eat that is beneficial for your eye health?