There is no specific diet for healthy eyes, but certain foods may promote healthy vision. The article below covers the worst and best foods to eat to help keep your eyes healthy. The best foods to promote healthy visionJust like other systems of the body, your eyes need nutrients for optimal health. Some of the best foods for healthy vision include: Foods high in omega-3s: Omega-3 is a type of essential fatty acid. It helps support healthy immune system function and provides energy for the cells. Omega 3s may also help with visual development. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, some studies show that omega 3s may help decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Examples of foods that have omega-3s include:
Foods rich in vitamin E: Vitamin E may help protect the body from damage from free radicals. Free radicals lead to oxidation, which causes cell death or aging. Oxidation may cause cataracts by leading to changes in the proteins and fats in the lens of the eye, resulting in cloudy vision. Foods rich in vitamin E act as antioxidants that slow oxidation. Good examples of foods containing vitamin E include:
Vitamin C foods: Vitamin C is also a good antioxidant that is helpful for immune system function, healthy skin, and heart function. Vitamin C may also protect against certain eye conditions. Research in the journal Nutrients indicated that consuming foods high in vitamin C may reduce oxidative stress and decrease the risk of cataracts. Good choices for foods high in vitamin C include:
The worst foodsUsually, no one food is entirely off-limits, but eating a diet with lots of sugar and processed foods is generally not good for your overall health because of high saturated fat, salt, and sugar content that leave less room for more nutritious foods.
Similarly, a high-fat, high-sugar diet is unhealthy for your eyes. For example, some foods may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Both of these conditions can lead to eye complications, such as diabetic retinopathy. Some of the worst foods for eye health include the following: Processed meats: Processed meats, such as deli meat, bacon, and hot dogs, are high in sodium. Too much sodium may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases your risk of diabetes and stroke, both of which can have harmful effects on your eyes. Sugary foods: Foods such as pastries, soda, and cookies, are high in sugar. Eating and drinking large amounts of sugary foods increases your risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Fried foods: Fried foods, such as chips and french fries, contain unhealthy fats, which might contribute to the risk of heart disease. However, unhealthy fats may also affect blood vessels in the eyes and increase the risk of certain eye diseases. Maintaining a well-balanced diet is one way to promote healthy eyes. Getting regular eye exams is also an important step. If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600. Comments are closed.
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