Eye care tips - What type of food to eat and avoid to protect my eyesight?

It’s a new year, and you’re probably trying to stick to a new diet and exercise routine. That’s great! Going outdoors and practicing a healthy lifestyle is the best way to keep in shape, and also to keep your eyes healthy!

You may have heard that carrots are good for your eyes, but do you know why? Carrots, and other orange fruits and vegetables like pumpkin and squash contain betacarotene, which is a type of vitamin A that help the retina and other parts the eye to function well.

Vegetables like spinach, kale and other leafy greens are an excellent source of lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants help to reduce the developments of serious eye problems like macular degeneration and cataracts. Other greens like broccoli, peas and avocados are also excellent sources of these antioxidants.

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits and lemons and all the types of berries are a great source of Vitamin C, which can help reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration as well.

Nuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. These help to boost the health of your eyes and allows them to function smoothly. They also make tasty snacks, so you replace your potato chips with nuts instead!

Fatty fish like salmon and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These are healthy fats that are needed by the eyes for visual development and a healthy retina. They can also combat dry eyes.

It goes without saying that food that is high in sugar and trans fat should be avoided because they increase the risk of health complications in future like high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the retina and prevent the eyes from functioning properly. Trans fat has been proven to contribute to macular degeneration by interfering with omega-3 fats in the body, which is needed by the eyes for healthy development.

Along with an active lifestyle and balanced diet, going for regular eye tests is another step to maintaining healthy eyes. These tests help you find out health of your eyes, and may even pick up early signs of eye problems and eye diseases before they become worse.

Want to know more about how to take care of your eyes? Find out the best eye relaxing tips !