Optimal Eye Health: The Best Foods to Eat

Maintaining healthy eyesight involves more than regular check-ups; it starts with the food on your plate. A diet rich in specific nutrients can significantly contribute to optimal eye health and may even reduce the risk of age-related vision issues.

“With its impressively high vitamin C content, the parsnip is a root vegetable that can help boost eye health, specifically a common problem many experience later in life: macular degeneration. People over the age of 60 tend to experience this degenerative eye issue most often, but that doesn’t mean you should wait until your later decades to establish a diet that helps maintain optimal eye health.

Research published in 2016 demonstrated how people who develop age-related macular degeneration tend to have a lower intake of vitamin C as well as other key nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, vitamin E, zinc and vitamin D. Vitamin C appears again and again in scientific studies that involve the causes and prevention of macular degeneration.”

“Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration, is a medical condition which may result in blurred or no vision in the centre of the visual field. Early on there are often no symptoms. Over time, however, some people experience a gradual worsening of vision that may affect one or both eyes. While it does not result in complete blindness, loss of central vision can make it hard to recognize faces, drive, read, or perform other activities of daily life.”

Apricots are good for the eyes because they are rich in key nutrients, including beta-carotene that converts to vitamin A, which is essential for good eyesight. They also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that protect eyes from harmful light waves reducing the risk of eye conditions. Eating apricots can be a tasty way to maintain optimal eye health.

Tuna is a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision. Vitamin A is a key component of the light-sensitive cells in the retina, and it plays a vital role in low-light and colour vision.

Most vibrantly coloured fruits and vegetables like carrots, courgettes [zucchini] butternut, cantaloupe, and shelled peas are packed with beta-carotene. This amazing nutrient is a precursor to vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin, eyesight, and immune function. Vitamin A is also essential for maintaining proper function in low-light conditions and helps protect the cornea.

Blackberries for optimal eye health — Photo by Pixabay

Healthy eyes and good vision can be maintained by eating a balanced diet, and consuming sweet corn, pumpkin, blueberries, cranberries, cannellini beans, split peas, blackberries, and spinach are all good for your eyes. They contain vitamins A and C, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids which protect your eyes from damage and inflammation and promote optimal eye health.