8 Foods to Eat for Healthier Eyes

Perceiving the world in colors, shapes, and movement is a gift most take for granted. Until the day one’s vision begins to cloud over, lose clarity, or fade away completely, such an incredible sense is easily relied upon… and therefore is devastating when lost.

But developing cataracts, macular degeneration, dryness of the eyes, or any other eye concerns isn’t inevitable. Poor diet and less than optimal lifestyle choices contribute to the rapidly increasing diseases of the modern age, loss of eyesight being one of them.

And it is now clear that by adopting a healthier regimen and eating a plethora of nutrient-rich foods, healing of the eyes is possible. In fact, some of the most beneficial foods for support healthy eyesight follow. Bursting with enzymes, minerals, and nutrients, they are nature’s perfect offerings that can help regenerate the body and heal the eyes.

Along with removing processed, refined, and chemically-treated foods from your diet, consuming more of these foods will likely assist you in attaining better eye health in no time!

BILBERRIES

This fruit contains compounds which boost visual acuity and improve vision. In Italy, a study found that a mixture of these compounds called anthyocyanides, along with Vitamin E stopped the progression of cataract formation in over 95% of study subjects experiencing early-stage progression of this disease. But its secrets are not only now becoming known: British pilots back in World War 1 knew they were incredibly beneficial for the eyes, and consumed bilberries before flying. Tasty fruits with similar compounds that improve vision include blueberry, cranberry, blackberry, grape, raspberry, and wild cherry.

CARROTS

One normally associates carrots with improved vision, but likely doesn’t know the range of benefits they offer. The carotenoids in carrots (which give it its distinct color) help prevent cataracts, prevent cancer, and reduce one’s risk of developing cardiovascular ailments. Other great sources of carotenoids include leafy greens, and fruits and vegetables that are orange, yellow, or red in color.

ONIONS

Being an excellent source of quercetin, a compound research has linked to prevention of cataracts in diabetics, onions are an extremely beneficial food to consume to heal the eyes. However, as most of the quercetin is found in the skin, it may be optimal to cook this portion of the onion as well when preparing meals.

PURSLANE

The world’s richest source of Omega-3 fatty acids, purslane boasts a bounty of health benefits essential for supporting clear eyesight. It is rich in carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, and many antioxidants (including glutathione), which are all necessary for keeping the eyes healthy.

GLUTATHIONE

This compound is actually found in high concentrations in the lens of the eye, where it plays an important role in keeping it healthy. Glutathione functions as an antioxidant, maintains the structure of the lens proteins, plays a role in various enzyme systems, and can also take part in the transport of amino acids and minerals.

However, modern-day ways of living have created a lack of this essential compound. As stated by optometrist and licensed acupuncturist, Marc Grossman, OD, “The majority of the cataracts I see are low in the antioxidant glutathione.”
Thankfully it’s easy to get more: This powerful compound is found abundantly in raw fruits and vegetables, therefore eating more living foods will help it be restored.

TURMERIC

This anti-inflammatory root contains a large amount of carotenoids and vitamin C. It also shares carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, and anti-oxidants.

BRAZIL NUTS

Brazil nuts are rich in vitamin E and selenium – both nutrients which help to prevent and inhibit cataracts.

SPINACH

Popeye was onto something! Spinach offers a bounty of lutein, which is known to help promote healthy vision and prevent other diseases of the eyes. This green is also rich in carotenoids and helps protect against cancer.

Diverting from natural law – eating wholesome, unprocessed food, getting plenty of rest, being outdoors, enjoying your life – results in a plethora of health issues. Thankfully nature offers many beneficial foods (and opportunities) to remedy diseases of affluence and heal.

If you seek to better your eyesight while safeguarding your future health, take action today by making more conscious dietary and lifestyle choices and visiting a Doctor of Optometry! If you have any questions, please call us at 604.553.3900 or visit us online at www.visionsourecenw.com.

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