Healthy Foods for Eye Care this Winter
Winter is upon us, and with the change in season, we adjust our lifestyles to better suit the chilly climate. This shift brings with it a particular focus on health and nutrition to avoid falling victim to seasonal ailments such as colds and flu. We tend to focus more on our immune system’s well-being that we often fail to consider the extra care required to look after our most important assets: our eyes. In keeping with your new winter regimen, here are five foods that Vision Works Optometrists recommend you add to your diet to maximise on eye health:
1. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as spinach, collard greens and kale are known to be rich in plant pigments, namely zeaxanthin and lutein. These pigments can assist in stemming the development of macular degeneration, as well as cataracts. Other greens such as avocado, broccoli and peas are also great choices to keep your eyes healthy.
2. Eggs
Eggs contain both Vitamin A and nutrients such as lutein have been known to protect your against night blindness and are an excellent source of nutrition that promotes good eye functioning in general.
3. Citrus Fruits & Berries
Grapefruit, oranges and lemons are so much more than just a cold and flu repellent: these fruits contain Vitamin C that may help reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
4. Beef
Who would have thought that your favourite beef stew in the winter would also benefit your eye health? In moderation, lean beef can boost eye health by providing us with a healthy dose of zinc, which aids the body to absorb Vitamin A. This protein may also play a role in reducing age-related macular degeneration.
5. Fish
As far as nutrition goes, loading up your diet with fish is a great way to combat dry eyes in winter. Fish, such as salmon and tuna, contains omega-3 fatty acids which help in alleviating dry eyes over time.