THE UNEXPECTED CONNECTION BETWEEN YOUR DIET AND THE WELL-BEING OF YOUR EYES
An eye-opener, for your eye health!
(DIET) The eye is highly prone to oxidative stress because it consumes a large amount of oxygen, contains a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and experiences cumulative exposure to intense visible light. This combination of factors results in the production of reactive oxygen species that can cause damage to ocular tissues. Consequently, there has been significant research focused on investigating the impact of dietary antioxidants and the potential therapeutic benefits offered by antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements as a convenient and cost-effective strategy for preventing or controlling eye diseases.
Watch your diet to keep your eyes well!
Enhancing the diet with potent vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals can enhance vision and promote overall eye health. Studies have established a connection between eye-friendly nutrients such as lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc in reducing the likelihood of serious eye ailments like age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Conversely, an unhealthy diet comprised of heavily processed foods lacking in nutritional value may not supply sufficient nutrients to maintain optimal eye and vision health. In fact, research indicates that a high-fat diet consisting of processed foods could heighten the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The most potent dietary hazards for the eyes are diet sodas, dehydration or simply not drinking enough water, high sodium or high salt diets, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and refined carbohydrates.
And who knew taking care of your eyes could taste good too!
One can simply find these antioxidants in green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts and a lot of other foods.
All eyes on these vitamins and nutrients! Look for the sources!
1. Lutein & Zeaxanthin
Numerous researches indicate that the consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin is associated with a decreased likelihood of chronic eye diseases. Individuals with higher intake of these nutrients exhibited a significantly reduced risk of developing new cataracts.
Dark green leafy vegetables are the primary source of lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as other colourful fruits and vegetables like broccoli, corn, peas, persimmons and tangerines.
2. Vitamin C
Scientific evidence suggests vitamin C lowers the risk of developing cataracts and when taken in combination with other essential nutrients, it can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and visual acuity loss.
For the daily dose, try incorporating oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, papaya, green peppers and tomatoes into your diet.
3. Vitamin E
Vitamin E protects cells in the eyes from unstable molecules called free radicals, which break down healthy tissue.
Good food sources of Vitamin E include vegetable oils (including safflower and corn oil), nuts, wheat germ and sweet potatoes.
4. Essential fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for proper visual development and retinal function. They improve the ability to fight diseases as well as maintain healthy layers of the eye.
Salmon, tuna and other cold-water fish are the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids and can help reduce inflammation, enhance tear production and support the eye’s oily outer layer.
5. Zinc
Zinc plays a vital role in bringing vitamin A from the liver to the retina to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes. Impaired vision, such as poor night vision and cloudy cataracts, has been linked to zinc deficiency.
Natural dietary sources of zinc, include red meat, oysters and other shellfish, and nuts and seeds.
Takeaway points for you:
The link between our diet and the health of our eyes is undeniable. By nourishing our bodies with a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, we can significantly reduce the risk of developing eye-related diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and dry eye syndrome. Incorporating foods like leafy greens, citrus fruits, fish, and nuts into our meals can provide us with the essential nutrients needed to maintain optimal eye health. Additionally, adopting healthy habits such as staying hydrated and limiting processed foods can further support our eye well-being. Let us remember that what we put on our plates directly impacts our vision.