May 31
Foods Good for Your Eyes and Brain
What you put in your body affects so many areas of your health, including your eyes and brain. When we are younger and as we age are the two vital times of brain health, development and changes. Aging can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress that can cause issues with your eye health. By being proactive with increased nutrition that helps your eyesight, you can see your best for years.
Foods for your eye health:
Peppers: Raw bell peppers have tons of Vitamin C, which can assist with your eye’s blood vessels and cut back on your risk for cataracts. Vitamin C is also found in cauliflower, papayas, strawberries and more. It is maintained in raw fruits and vegetables as heat can break the vitamin down.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, peanuts and peanut butter are all good sources of Vitamin E, which has been shown to help curb age-related macular degeneration.
Dark greens: Kale, spinach and collard greens are all in the dark, leafy green family that is full of carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These are a great plant-based way to take in Vitamin A to help with eye health.
Fatty fish: The fatty acids that helped your children’s brains develop are important for eye health, especially your retinas. Salmon, tuna and trout are examples of ways to obtain the omega-3 fatty acids that help protect your eyes.
Orange assistance: Fruits and vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, apricates, carrots and mangos are all high in beta-carotene, which is a form of Vitamin A. The more vitamin A that you take in, the more you will protect your eyes’ ability to adjust to darkness and your night vision.
Lean meats and legumes: Zinc-rich foods aid in bringing Vitamin A to your retina to help make the protective pigment, melanin. Beef, pork, chicken, oysters, chickpeas, kidney beans and lentils are all good ways to get your Zinc.
All in one package: Eggs have not only zinc, but also lutein and zeaxanthin to help keep blue light from hurting your retina.Â
Broccoli and brussels sprouts: Either of these vegetables bring together Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. All of these vitamins are powerful antioxidants that protect your cells from free radicals, which can affect healthy tissues.
No Matter What You Eat, You Need an Eye Exam
As you age, you need to have an annual eye exam even if you do not have corrected vision. A comprehensive eye exam can help monitor your overall health as well as your eye health. Our team at Trumansburg Optical is here for you at any age and can help you see your best year after year. If you have an eye emergency, such as a sudden loss of vision or eye injury, our team is available for emergency eye services. Contact us through our online contact form.
