0 Healthy Food For Your Eyes

The same healthy diet that is good for your heart and arteries can help protect your eyes and vision.That is not surprising. Vision depends tiny capillaries that feed the retina and other parts of the eye with nutrients and oxygen, "explains Monique Roy, MD, professor at the Institute of New Jersey Medical School of Ophthalmology and Visual Science. "Maintaining these arteries healthy is essential."

As part of an overall healthy diet, more essential nutrients seem to be particularly important to preserve vision as we age.


C, E and zinc -
Ten years ago, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study reported that people given vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene and zinc supplements were less likely to develop advanced macular degeneration degeneration, or AMD. The combination was more effective in slowing the progression of intermediate to advanced AMD, which is one of the leading causes of blindness due to age. Because of these findings, many people diagnosed with early signs of AMD are now commonly prescribed a pill that combines these nutrients.
Lutein and zeaxanthin:

Two other nutrients - lutein and zeaxanthin - are also associated with a lower risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. A 2008 study by Tufts University in 1802 women aged 50 to 79 years found that those who consumed the most lutein and zeaxanthin in their diet were 23% less likely to develop cataracts than those who consumed the least . Rich sources of these compounds include kale, spinach, turnip greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
Omega-3: -

Newest nutrients associated with better vision with age is the omega-3 fatty acid, found primarily in fish oil. In a study of 2,520 people, researchers from Johns Hopkins University reported in 2010 that people who consumed fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids are often much less likely to have advanced macular degeneration related to age. The omega-3 may also protect against cataracts, according to results of 2010 by researchers at the University Clinic of Navarra in Spain.
Researchers do not understand exactly why omega-3 can protect against eye diseases. One hypothesis is that these healthy oils can reduce inflammation and thus protect against cell damage.

Food pills cons:
Although antioxidant supplements are commonly prescribed for people with early signs of macular degeneration, there is little agreement on whether supplements help people maintain healthy vision. "Most evidence to date is very mixed," Allen Taylor, a leading researcher at the Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, WebMD. In a recent study, for example, a multivitamin seemed to protect against certain forms of cataracts, but increased the risk of other forms.

"By far, the best way to protect your vision from age-related diseases is to eat a healthy diet," says Kathleen Zelman, RD, director of nutrition for WebMD.
Recent discoveries help make the case for healthy food choices. A 2010 survey by French scientists, for example, eating more vegetables - including cabbage, broccoli, peppers, corn, or spinach - improving the condition of the retina in people macular degeneration related to age.