March is “Save your Vision” month

 

Did you know that what you eat is important for your eye health?

March is designated as national “Save your Vision” month. Let’s take a moment to talk about which food nutrients can be beneficial for the eyes.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

These nutrients are found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, and foods like eggs. Lutein and zeaxanthin can reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Vitamin E

Found in nuts, sweet potatoes, and fortified cereals, this nutrient protects the eyes from free radicals that can break down healthy tissue.

Vitamin C (absorbic acid)

This is found in most fruits and vegetables and can lower your risk of cataracts. When taken in combination with certain other nutrients, it can also reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids

This group of nutrients are found in sources like fish and flax seed. They help maintain the integrity of the nervous system and promote cardiovascular health. They also play a role in proper vision development and retinal health.

Zinc

Zinc is found in protein sources such as beef, lamb, chicken, or turkey, but it can also be taken as a supplement. It is vital to produce melanin, which is a protective pigment found inside the eye. Zinc is very concentrated in the eye, particularly the retina and choroid.

Top image by Flickr user Richard North (location) and bottom image by Flickr user Masahiro Ihara (location) used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharelike 4.0 License. Image has been cropped and modified from original. Image rights state commercial use and modifications allowed when image was obtained on 02/28/2017.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.