The Latest Research: Eating Right can Save Your Eyes!
Macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness, affecting more than 5,000 Albertans over the age of 60. Recent studies have shown that your risk for developing this and other eye diseases can be reduced by making changes to your diet. Follow these guidelines based on the latest research to make sure that you are doing all you can to preserve your vision indefinitely.
1) Avoid a diet high in fat. The latest studies show that people with high cholesterol have 2.3 times the risk of developing macular degeneration. Protect your eyes by avoiding saturated fats, especially in packaged and processed foods. Instead, consume more plant-food fats such as nuts, seeds, and plant oils.
2) Eat your veggies! The lens and retina need certain specific vitamins and minerals to be able to function properly. Beta-carotene and the carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) have a protective effect against micro-cellular reactions that can damage your eyes. Your best sources for carotenoids are found in “leafy greens” such as kale, spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce and brussels sprouts. The research shows that eating one serving of leafy greens each day will reduce your risk of eye disease by up to 86 percent!
3) Cook vegetables for better absorption. We all know that raw vegetables are better for you than cooked ones- or do we? The latest data shows that you can absorb carotenoids better if you cook your vegetables first! Certain vitamins (such as vitamin C) are destroyed by overcooking, but not carotenoids. Be sure to include cooked vegetables as part of your daily diet.
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The Latest Research: Eating Right can Save Your Eyes!
Macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness, affecting more than 5,000 Albertans over the age of 60. Recent studies have shown that your risk for developing this and other eye diseases can be reduced by making changes to your diet. Follow these guidelines based on the latest research to make sure that you are doing all you can to preserve your vision indefinitely.
1) Avoid a diet high in fat. The latest studies show that people with high cholesterol have 2.3 times the risk of developing macular degeneration. Protect your eyes by avoiding saturated fats, especially in packaged and processed foods. Instead, consume more plant-food fats such as nuts, seeds, and plant oils.
2) Eat your veggies! The lens and retina need certain specific vitamins and minerals to be able to function properly. Beta-carotene and the carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) have a protective effect against micro-cellular reactions that can damage your eyes. Your best sources for carotenoids are found in “leafy greens” such as kale, spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce and brussels sprouts. The research shows that eating one serving of leafy greens each day will reduce your risk of eye disease by up to 86 percent!
3) Cook vegetables for better absorption. We all know that raw vegetables are better for you than cooked ones- or do we? The latest data shows that you can absorb carotenoids better if you cook your vegetables first! Certain vitamins (such as vitamin C) are destroyed by overcooking, but not carotenoids. Be sure to include cooked vegetables as part of your daily diet.