Nutrition
Nutrition
and Eye Health
Increasingly, researchers are finding a link between good nutrition
and maintaining healthy eyes.
Researchers now believe that age-related eye diseases that are caused
by the body's exposure to the normal oxidation process may be slowed
by vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables or taken in
supplement form.
It is more and more apparent that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
that are high in antioxidants may help prevent age-related eye problems
such as cataracts and macular degeneration, or at least slow their progress.
Macular Degeneration
Diets high in antioxidants (such as Vitamin C) and carotenoids (such
as carrots, kale, and spinach) may slow some of the degenerative processes
in the retina that can lead to age-related macular degeneration.
Cataracts
The key vitamins that are necessary to avoid this conditions are Vitamin
A (Beta Carotene) Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Vitamin E, Folic Acid,
Selenium and Zinc.
These are found in leafy green vegetables, carrots, citrus fruits,
and melons. Spinach, kale, and collard greens, which provide lutein,
a carotenoid, seem to be particularly beneficial for the macula.
Points to keep in mind
" While vitamins can be obtained by taking supplements, it is
best to get as many of these nutrients as possible through your diet.
" A diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fat
and sugar will help not only your eyes but also your overall health.
" Although increasing your intake of antioxidants will probably
not restore vision that is already lost, it may slow the progress of
the disease over time.
" If you are considering either changing your diet to include more
foods rich in antioxidants and/or taking vitamin supplements, consult
your physician: some people have
other health considerations that could be affected by these dietary
changes.
Smoking is thought to be a significant factor in eye health. Studies
show that stopping smoking can have significant benefits at any age.
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