Five eye health approved foods for your holiday feast

It’s officially the holiday season! In just over a week many of us will be sitting down at our dining room tables and feasting on traditional holiday dishes, but you might be surprised to learn that several of your favourite dishes are also good for your eye health.

We’ve compiled a list of five foods that you can feel a little less guilty overindulging on this holiday season knowing that you’re doing your eyes a favour.

Here are five eye health approved choices:

1. Turkey: It wouldn’t be a holiday feast without a little turkey on our plate. Turkey is rich in zinc and vitamins B3 (niacin), which can protect your eyes against cataracts. Better yet, turkey is great for leftovers which can keep the source of eye-healthy vitamins coming for days.
2. Carrots: Don’t bypass the carrot dish at the table this year! Carrots are filled with the important antioxidant, beta-carotene which can reduce the risk of cataracts and protect the surface of the eye.
3. Sweet Potatoes: Who could say not to sweet potatoes? Like carrots, bright orange vegetables are always a good idea to overindulge on. The Vitamin A and C found in sweet potatoes can help improve your night vision, and can also help the body form and maintain the collagen found in the eyes cornea.
4. Salad: Between all the turkey and stuffing on your plate, make sure to leave room for salad. All types of leafy greens are packed with antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help lower the risk of developing macular degeneration.
5. Broccoli and Brussel Sprouts: Load your plates with these two B’s without a second thought. Both broccoli and brussel sprouts have Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Lutein, which relate to strengthening eyesight and can help prevent retinal damage.

Maintaining a healthy diet is only one important factor to maintain healthy eyes. To ensure your eyes are reaching their fullest potential, make sure to book regular eye examinations with one of our Doctors of Optometry.