They say, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”, well that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t have to visit the doctor at all but fruits and vegetables can help reduce the chance of getting certain eye conditions.
There are specific fruits and vegetables that contains minerals and vitamins that are good for the eyes, they contain antioxidants which help to keep the cells in the eye healthy and slow down the progression of any eye disease.
Refractive eye conditions like myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism are not prevented or improved by fruits and vegetables, only by wearing corrective lenses.
Certain fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of nutrients that can benefit eye health. Here are some examples.
- Carrots: carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A that is essential for good vision.
- Spinach: spinach is packed with Lutein and Zeaxanthin, two important nutrients that can help prevent macular condition.
- Sweet potatoes: like carrots, sweet potatoes are High in beta-carotene.
- Broccoli: broccoli is a good source of vitamin c, which has been link to reducing risk of cataract.
- Citrus fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits are excellent sources of vitamin C, which can help protect the eye from damages caused by free radicals.
- Bell peppers: Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C and vitamin A, both of which are important for good eye health.
- Blueberries: Blueberries are lacked with antioxidants that can help protect the eyes from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.
- Kale: like spinach, kale is a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin.
ANTIOXIDANTS TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN BUYING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
- Lutein
- zinc
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Zeaxanthin
- Beta-carotene
- vitamins A, E and C
CONCLUSION
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is important for overall health, including eye health. Be sure to include a variety of fruits and vegetable in your diet to get a wide range of nutrients that can benefit the eyes.