Diet can play a crucial role in being healthy and preventing many diseases, not just in the body but also in the eyes. There are many different varieties of food (not just carrots) that are good for your eyes and can help with degenerative diseases as well as maintain healthy function. Apart from food, there are also scientifically backed drinks that you could drink which have all the essential nutrients you need to keep your eyes healthy. We do recommend supplementation if you don’t like certain food types and supplementation can be an easier way to get to your daily intake of all the vitamins you need. For example, our MacuShield range is perfect for those who want to aid their macular degeneration, but these supplements are perfect for anyone who just wants to keep their eyes healthy.
Did you know that red peppers are amazing for your eye health? This is because this superfood has the most vitamin C per calorie. Vitamin C is vital for the blood vessels in your eyes, and science even suggests it could lower your risk of getting cataracts. The best red pepper for vitamin C content is the Red Bell pepper. Vitamin C is also found in many vegetables and fruits, including bok choy, cauliflower, papayas, and strawberries.
Salmon is also a great food to eat to keep your eyes healthy. This is because it contains omega-3 acids that are essential for the health of your retina. Did you know that Omega-3s also seem to protect your eyes from AMD and glaucoma? Additionally, low levels of these fatty acids have been linked to dry eyes. If you aren’t particularly keen on salmon, we have a variety of products that can help to prevent these diseases for longer, click on the different eye conditions to be taken to the specific products that help to treat and prevent these conditions.
Another interesting vegetable that is good for the eyes is sweet potatoes. These potatoes are a good source of beta-carotene, which may slow the progress of macular degeneration. Your body converts beta carotene to vitamin A, a nutrient that helps prevent dry eyes and night blindness. Beta carotene and vitamin A also help reduce the risk of eye infections. Other vegetables that contain beta-carotene are yellow, red, and green (leafy) vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, and red peppers as well as yellow fruit, such as mango, papaya, and apricots. The colour yellow or orange is a great indication that it may contain beta-carotene, a great tip to remember whether these vegetables are good for the eyes.
Interestingly, leafy greens are also great for eye health. Dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and broccoli are rich in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which are present in high concentrations in the retina. MacuShield contains these nutrients and can be a great substitute if you aren’t a massive fan of spinach or kale. Click here to view the MacuShield range.
We hope you enjoyed our blog, if you’d like more information about our supplements we would be more than happy to help! Our team is very knowledgeable and can help you choose the correct nutrients to keep your eyes healthy.