Our eyes are among the most important parts of our body, but one of the most neglected as well. We take them for granted, and don't realize how much until our eyesight starts to decline. While it is natural that our vision declines somewhat as we age, severe vision problems or the development of eye diseases such as macular degeneration does not have to be inevitable. There are several ways we can maximize our eye health, and here are a just a few:
Diet Tips
Yes, what you eat is one of the most important aspects of naturally maintaining eye health. We are told the importance of diet in promoting our health so much it is easy to drown it out after awhile. We underestimate the role of food in our health. But, healthy foods contain all the nutrients we need for optimal functioning, and regularly consuming them is one of the best defenses against problems. When it comes to our eyes, there are several key nutrients that ensure their health, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids. Some particularly powerhouse foods for eye health include antioxidant-rich spinach, kale and other greens, vitamin-C-packed foods such as grapefruit, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, papaya, oranges and green peppers, foods rich in vitamin E such as seeds, nuts and wheat germ, turkey, oysters and crab, which are all rich in zinc, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene and omega-3 foods such as salmon, flaxseeds and walnuts.Supplements
Supplements may also play a key role in supporting healthy vision. But, when it comes to nutritional supplements, such as vitamins and minerals, remember that they are to be used as a supplement. Getting nutrients from food is always the best option for a couple of reasons. First, they are in a form your body is well-equipped to process and secondly, there may be all sorts of other nutrients that are helping you of which we are not yet aware. If you already have eye disease or are at an increased risk, there are supplements that have been designed based on studies, and are referred to as AREDs (age-related eye disease studies.)Acai supplements may help relieve eye pressure. Bilberry has a long history of use for treating eye problems, and may specifically reduce the risk of cataracts. Gingko biloba may also be helpful, particularly if you already suffer from macular degeneration. Some studies have found it slowed vision loss in people with this condition. Before using supplements, be sure to educate yourself about whether you have any conditions or take medicines that may make their use inappropriate.
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