Foods to Protect Your Vision

There are many foods available to protect your vision. Diseases such as macular degeneration (MD) can cause serious eye problems including blindness. In fact, MD is the leading cause blindness in the US.

Diet seems to play a prominent role in macular degeneration as well as genetics, smoking, and exposure to UV radiation. People whose diets have more content of certain bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids and lutein, have less risk of developing macular degeneration.

So, what are some foods to protect your vision?

Foods rich in lutein and carotenoids are really good to protect your vision. Lutein is present in high amounts in green leafy vegetables like your old spinach. So, Popeye was right, at least in this area of nutrition. Also there are nutritional supplements available rich in lutein. However, it is unclear if taking supplements is effective as eating food rich in this compound.

In addition to lutein, any food rich in zinc (Zn) seem to be associated with protective effects for vision problems. Seafood, nuts, meat and dairy products are rich in Zn. Oysters are a very good source of this mineral. The total amount of Zn to be taken daily can not surpass the limit established as safe of 40 mg/day.

Start adding variety to your diet and start protecting your vision. Oysters, green leafy vegetables and foods rich in carotenoids (carrots, for example) can greatly reduce your risk of developing vision problems and issues.

Source:

American Macular Degeneration Foundation.