Healthy Eating Habits for Healthy Eyes
Good, balanced nutrition does wonders for your body and overall well-being.
Did you ever wonder what certain foods do for your eyes? There’s the belief
that carrots are the best to keep your eyesight sharp. But did you know
that there are other beneficial foods?
Here are some great sources with nutrients contributing to the health of
your eyes.
Spinach
Although native to central and southwestern Asia, spinach has made its way
to the western world. These days, it’s used as an ingredient in gourmet
meals. But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be served during meals at your
own dining-room table.
Spinach is packed with essential nutrients, especially lutein. This is a
carotenoid vitamin, which the body absorbs best when taken with a high-fat
meal. It is related with vitamin A, the nutrient that is often associated
with eye health.
Strawberries
These delectable fruits are low in fats but high in phytonutrients. They
are also a rich source of vitamin A and vitamin E. More important,
strawberries contain health-promoting lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene.
We know how difficult it is to feed kids vegetables, so this fruit is a
good alternative source of nutrients to keep their eyes healthy. These are
best eaten raw but adding them to various recipes will appeal to your
family.
Turkey
Who says turkey is just good for Thanksgiving? As a rich source of zinc,
turkey should also be on the menu on a regular basis. The retina, which
contains the “neural elements for reception and transmission of visual
stimuli,” needs zinc.
Prepare turkey sandwiches or mix this sumptuous meat with salads and other
greens. Look for a delicious turkey burger recipe, which your family will
love.
Nuts
There are many health benefits associated with nuts. Besides staving off
hunger pangs when on a diet, they are great sources of vitamins C and E.
Vitamin E is commonly used in treating patients (deleted cataracts) skin
disorders and some respiratory diseases.
There is a variety of food providing nutrients to keep your eyes looking
and feeling healthy. So you don’t need to limit yourself to snacking on
carrots.
But food is just a part of the whole process of caring for your eyes. A
healthy lifestyle involves smoking cessation and moderation when drinking
alcohol.
A regular check-up with your eye doctor is also a good way to prevent any
possible eye disorders or diseases. Your doctor may be able to detect early
signs of deteriorating health and related conditions, which could be
treated early.
For better eye health, visit the specialists at Eastside Eye Associates and
Tribeca Eye Physicians. It is better to know the health condition of your
eyes today than wait for symptoms to develop. Call 212-861-6200 or
212-693-7200 to schedule an appointment now!
