Best Diets for Healthy Vision
Wednesday, October 23, 2013 @ 07:10 AM
Prevention is the best method for healthy eyes. Poor lifestyle choices can lead to vision problems and lead to blindness. On the other hand, following a healthy diet can promote good vision.
Things that promote healthy eyes include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids help drain fluids from the eye to prevent glaucoma
- Antioxidants fight free radicals that cause damage to the eyes
- Leucine and zeaxanthin prevent macular degeneration
- Vitamin A and beta carotene protect the cornea and keep it lubricated to avoid dry eye.
- Vitamin C helps form tissue and keep it healthy
- Vitamin E can prevent cataracts
- Zinc helps the body absorb vitamin A
Things to avoid that can cause vision problems and eye diseases:
- High fructose corn syrup that is found in fast food and almost all packaged foods
- Foods that are high on the glycemic index, which includes sugar and simple carbs
- Those with high sodium that can cause high blood pressure
The best diets for promoting healthy eyes are:
- The heart healthy diet. The basis of this diet is to limit saturated fat to maintain healthy arteries and allow proper blood flow. It also works to control cholesterol and helps with weight loss.
- The diabetic diet is all about balance. It requires counting carbs and pairing them with protein to avoid blood sugar spikes.
- The Mediterranean diet, which is high in healthy fats like olive oil.
A healthy diet includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, legumes, nuts and fish.