MORE ON EYES AND AGING

 Have you ever considered your eye health, just like other body parts, need a well-rounded diet and yes, even exercise to maintain their healthy status? Notice the above sentence states a 'well-rounded' diet. According to Dr. Craig W. See, an ophthalmologist, no single food - and that includes carrots - are the perfect food for the eyes. The doctor does suggest eating, what he calls superfoods, daily. This list includes:

• Eggs, they reinforce retina health as well as containing lutein and zeaxanthin which help protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in people over age 60.
• Vitamin C foods help prevent cataracts. You already know most Vitamin C foods but consider strawberries and citrus fruits daily. Red bell peppers are one of the foods highest in vitamin-C.
• Vitamin E foods that also help fight macular degeneration. Spinach and almonds are good choices.
• Carrots are high in Vitamin A, a vitamin that supports eye health.

Our next post will give other suggestions to help maintain eye health.

 

ANOTHER REASON TO EAT THOSE LEAFY GREENS - EYE HEALTH

Leafy greens are so good for us, but many people refuse to eat them. There are many ways to incorporate them into your diet and here's another good reason to do so. Leafy greens are good for eye health. Too often we neglect to think about eye health until we experience a problem. Our eyes need to be healthy as almost everything we do involves our eyes. Leafy greens such as turnip greens, spinach, and kale are rich in lutein. Lutein is an antioxidant that is thought to protect eye tissue from sun damage and reduce our risk for age-related macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in older persons. Studies have shown that as little as 6mg of lutein per day lowers one's risk of macular degeneration. If you do not like to eat leafy greens consider adding spinach leaves to sandwiches, adding greens to smoothies, soups, casseroles, etc. However, you choose to use them, just make sure to include them in your diet regularly.

turnip greens

ADVANTAGES OF A DIET HIGH IN CAROTENOIDS

 Research a few years ago suggested that eating more foods high in carotenoids may help to prevent excess fat storage, especially in the area of the belly or midsection. It is well known in the medical community that leaner people have higher blood levels of carotenoids. 

The Nurses' Health Study a few years ago that followed more than 1,000 women and men for over 35 years found those who ate a diet high in carotenoids lowered their risk of advanced macular degeneration by 25 to 35 percent.

Looking for foods high in carotenoids? Go orange such as orange bell peppers, carrots, acorn squash, and other brightly colored veggies and fruits.