The Eye Diet

Since the New Year the Sunday papers have been packed full of articles on the ‘latest' diet. Sugar seems to be the buzzword for 2014 and it is encouraging to see more focus on simple healthy eating than the usual range of gimmicks and fads from companies selling weird and usually not wonderful, diets.

Most people are inspired by their desire to lose some weight and look better. However few realise how beneficial a good diet can also have on eyesight. Here are some tips for a diet that will leave your eyes looking healthy.

Dark green, leafy vegetables
Eating spinach and kale for example, could help reduced your risk of macular degeneration. They contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two important nutrients that have antioxidant functions in the body and help prevent cell damage. Lutein also helps protect the retina.

Bright orange fruit and vegetables
The likes of sweet potatoes which have a rich source of beta carotene, a natural precursor to vitamin A, the vitamin most commonly associated with healthy eyes. And fruits like oranges are a great source of vitamin C which some evidence has suggested may slow the affects of macular degeneration and the formation of cataracts.

Beans
Adding zinc to your diet by eating zinc-rich foods such as beans, lentils, eggs and turkey will help the liver release vitamin A.

Oily fish
Fish such as salmon and tuna are rich in source of omega-3 which studies have found may also help protect eyes from age-related macular degeneration and dry eyes.

Wheat germ and sunflower seeds
Great sources of vitamin E which can help protect the eyes from free radical damage.

Eating a balanced diet with plenty fruit and veg of all colours will ensure your eyes receive the nutrients they require. Foods like those mentioned above will benefit you in many other ways too, so forget the fads, focus on foods packed full of nutrients and you will notice the benefits both inside and out.