You probably remember your parents telling you to eat your carrots when you were a kid, as these vegetables are said to make your eyes healthy and strong. If you were lucky, you might have even had the chance to have dessert after! Now, when you go for your annual eye exam, your ophthalmologist probably does not tempt you with the promise of sweets at the end of it all, but you should still be mindful of how some foods can affect your vision. In fact, even as an adult, it's still possible to eat your way to optimal optical health with these foods. Spinach and Kale Many of us have already incorporated these green superfoods into our daily diets, and that's a great sign! Aside from the benefits these fiber-laden veggies can offer your waistline, they're also rich in antioxidants. These help to protect your eyes against the damages incurred by things like cigarette smoke, exposure to sunlight, and air pollution. Namely, studies show that the lutein and zeaxanthin present in these leafy greens absorb visible light, which can cause a significant amount of damage to your vision over time. They can also help to slow the process of age-related conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. Before your next eye exam, try sauteing the two together in olive oil: they're fat soluble, so this will ensure that you absorb the most amount of nutrients. Tomatoes and Citrus Fruits You likely know to reach for the orange juice when you're in the throes of a cold. Vitamin C can do a lot to help boost your immune system and fight off the sniffles. Like the greens mentioned above, these foods are a great way to combat age-related eye conditions. In tomatoes, you have the bonus feature of lycopene, which can help prevent damage that light often inflicts on the retina and other parts of your peepers. Consider snacking on a cup of cherry tomatoes, or treat yourself to a glass of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice in the morning with your breakfast. Nuts and Seeds It's impossible to overstate how much of a good effect a healthy amount of vitamin E can have on your vision. Vitamin E is especially noteworthy for how well it works with vitamin C. Specifically, these two powerhouses work together to prevent tissue damage. Vitamin E also helps protect against dangerous free radicals in the body. Because its virtues aren't so commonly extolled, it's rare to see that most people are getting their recommended daily intake of vitamin E. You can get your recommended dose through tasty sources like peanut butter, almonds, and sunflower seeds. Grab a handful of almonds midday, and you'll also enjoy the bonus of feeling fuller for longer. Salmon This fish is really quite the catch. The omega-3 fatty acids help fight inflammation within the body and also keep your cells performing optimally. If you've complained at your eye exam that you've been suffering from dry eyes, upping your salmon intake is a tasty way to combat that problem. Sardines and herring are equally loaded with this healthy fat. Other fish like tuna, flounder, and halibut are also good choices to this end. Don't wait for your next eye exam to find ways to take your vision health into your own hands. Get into the kitchen and play around with some of the ingredients listed here to whip yourself up a recipe for better health. To learn more about where to get an eye exam, Stoneham, MA residents should visit http://www.alexeyemd.com/.
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