Are you eating a good diet? Do you know what exactly a good diet is? We have all heard the phrase “eat a healthy well-balanced diet.” But do you really know why and what constitutes as a good diet? Fear not, this week’s article has all the answers to your burning questions, well at least when it pertains to diet and your eyes! And I’ve even included some healthy spring recipes for your eyes! I hope you enjoy it!
What Is the Right Fuel For My Eyes?
Generally, we all know or ought to know that food is fuel for our bodies, and eating the right foods can help ensure our bodies and our eyes are getting the right nutrients. Thus focusing on eating for your eyes can better help you maintain good eye health. The particular type of fuel or vitamins and minerals our eyes crave include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain proper eye function and aid in cell function.
- Zeaxanthin & Lutein help block harmful blue light rays, thus protecting the eyes from developing diseases like (AMD) Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Zinc isn’t just good for your immune system, the American Optometric Association explains how it “is an essential trace mineral, or “helper molecule.” It plays a vital role in bringing vitamin A from the liver to the retina in order to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes.”
- Vitamins A, C, D, & E
Natural Sources Are Best
In today’s busy world we are all striving for a quick fix. But it is always best to try and get all of the necessary nutrients needed not just for your eyes but overall body health from food sources, instead of from vitamins or supplements. Why? Food sources deliver a superior or more pure fuel for the body. Whereas many vitamins and supplements do not, because a pill (a synthetic form) cannot mimic the total benefits of real food like fiber or antioxidants. Vitamins and supplements also can include unnecessary fillers. Additionally, taking several different vitamins, supplements, and a multivitamin could overload your system and be detrimental to your health. For example, if too much vitamin A is consumed it could prove to be toxic, and among other things cause damage to your liver. Yikes! However, trying to overdose on vitamin A by simply say eating carrots (which are a great source of this vitamin), would be much harder. Thus food is generally your best bet when trying to get all your nutrients. If you think you are not getting all of your vitamins and minerals through food sources, talk to your GP, he or she will be able to give you some suggestions and monitor your levels through routine blood tests.
Healthy Spring Recipes For Your Eyes
On to some mouth-watering recipes. Eating for your eyes is definitely doable and tasty! Check out the following links for some delicious recipe ideas for your next meal:
Recipes For Healthy Eyes from All About Vision
Nutrition – 5 Snacks For Healthier Eyes from The Canadian Association of Optometrists
Want more recipes? Check out previous articles featuring yummy recipes in the blog section on our website.
When was the last time you had an eye exam? Book an appointment today with Dr. Sharma by giving us call or easily book online.
We Victoria, B.C.’s trusted family eye care center.