From cell phones to computers, our world is full of glowing screens. So you might be concerned about your eye health. Plus, it’s common for eyes to get worse with age.
To improve your eyesight, include these nine foods in your diet.
1. Carrots
Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, a carotenoid that creates hue. This compound is also a precursor to vitamin A. And since it’s a powerful antioxidant, it can stop oxidative damage and reduce your risk of age-related degeneration. 1 No wonder these veggies are called “X-ray vision carrots”! Try them as a snack with hummus or herby yogurt dip.
2. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are also full of beta-carotene and vitamin A. Without these nutrients, the retina wouldn’t be able to function properly. They’re important for adaptation to dim light and darkness, too. And since this nutrient stimulates cell growth, it improves your eye health.2 These are some good reasons to ditch starchy white potatoes. To eat more sweet potatoes, make baked fries or hash browns.
3. Squash
The vibrant colour of squash means that it’s rich in vitamin A. If you want better vision, have to squash. It will also help you see better in lower lighting.3 Relatives of squash, like pumpkins, also count. For a delicious and healthy dessert, make a pie with squash or pumpkin.
4. Kale
For more antioxidants, chow down on kale. This green leafy veggie has two powerful carotenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin. These protect your eyes against cataracts, a condition that develops when the eye’s proteins become damaged. It also causes your lens to become cloudy. Fortunately, carotenoids can lower your risk.4 It works great in smoothies and salads.
5. Spinach
Like kale, spinach is a dark green leafy vegetable that has lutein and zeaxanthin. It also contains vitamin C, another antioxidant that can help boost your eye health. Together, these nutrients can ward off cataracts. And even if you already have them, vitamin C will slow down the progression.5
6. Oranges
Oranges are rich in another carotenoid called beta-cryptoxanthin. It provides antioxidant defence while promoting awesome eyesight. And since it’s a precursor of vitamin A, the retina will benefit.6 It’s a pretty good reason to make some fresh orange juice.
7. Persimmons
Beta-cryptoxanthin can also be found in persimmons, a sweet and fragrant fruit. But since it’s not very common, you might have never had one! The benefits of persimmons for your eye are good enough to make you try them. You can eat it by itself or add it to smoothies.
8. Nuts
Nuts can also make your eyesight amazing. It’s loaded with vitamin E, zinc, and essential fatty acids – all of which can benefit your eye. You’ll have protection against growing cataracts while stopping new ones.7 The zinc in nuts can also decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration.8 To eat more nuts, make a trail mix or homemade granola bars. You can even toss them into salads and pasta.
9. Salmon
Salmon is one of the healthiest meats you can eat. The omega-3 fatty acids in it will enhance your eye health and make it better.9 Specifically, it does this by increasing the regrowth of vessels in the retina.10 Omega-3s can also work with zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E to fight macular degeneration. To reap the benefits, add salmon to a salad made with the veggies on this list.
10. Eggs
Love egg salad? You’re in luck. Lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin A, and zinc can all be found in eggs. This food is also packed with protein, so they’ll keep you full for a long time. To incorporate more eggs into your diet, make a batch of hard-boiled eggs at the beginning of each week. They’ll be ready for breakfasts, salads, and sandwiches over the next few days.11
11. Dairy Products
Eating dairy products will also boost your vitamin A and zinc intake. 12 Together, these will give you, even more, protection against vision loss. Healthy dairy choices include fortified low-fat or skim milk, cottage cheese, and yogurt.
Wearing sunglasses is another great way to protect your eyesight. You should also take breaks when working on the computer. These habits will help maintain your eye health, even as you get older.
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