Champion Home Health Care, dedicated to providing expert home health care in Brevard County, FL, recommends the following foods that will help boost eye health. Seniors suffering from conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and cataracts will benefit from these food that contain Vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, and zeaxanthin.
Greens
Leafy greens like spinach and kale contain two of the best antioxidants for eyes, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are believed to protect your eyes from the sun. (Antioxidants protect against eye damage from air pollution, sunlight, and cigarette smoke.) Further sources include broccoli, collard greens, romaine lettuce, grapes, peas, and kiwis.
Orange Produce
Deep orange and yellow vegetables and fruits contain beta carotene, which converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A protects the eyes from damage, fights inflammation of the eye, and helps prevent night blindness. Sources include sweet potatoes, winter squash, carrots, apples, cantaloupe, apricots, and red peppers.
Vitamin C Produce
Vitamin C is critical to eye health. It helps protect the eyes from damage and helps maintain the eye’s connective tissue. Top sources of vitamin C include oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons, tomatoes, peaches, apples, peppers, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, and broccoli.
Turkey & Beef
Beef and turkey provide zinc, believed to help night vision and also reduce risk of vision loss caused by AMD. Zinc allows vitamin A to create melanin, a protective pigment for the eye, and helps the body absorb other vitamins. Further sources of zinc include poultry, pork, whole grains, and legumes (black-eyed peas, peanuts, lima beans, kidney beans).
Seafood
Salmon, tuna, flounder, halibut, herring, and sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation and are crucial for the proper production and functioning of cells, organs, nerves, and muscles. Oysters and lobster are particularly loaded with zinc.
Dairy
Yogurt and milk contain zinc, and eggs contain zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Nuts & Seeds
Almonds, pecans, whole grains, spinach, avocados, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, peanut butter, and vegetable oils are all excellent sources of Vitamin E. This vitamin helps the body produce red blood cells and works together well with Vitamin C to keep tissue strong.
