Foods to help save your sight | GrownUps55plus

Posted by grownups on Jun 27, 2012 | Comments Off

Foods to help save your sight

One in seven Canadians will develop a serious eye disease in their lifetime, and while some eye conditions are unavoidable, others ? such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, dry eye syndrome and eyelid disorders ? can actually be prevented, slowed or suppressed by making healthier food and lifestyle choices.

?Astonishingly, 75 per cent of vision loss can be prevented or treated,? says Dr. Keith Gordon, CNIB?s Vice President of Research. ?Getting regular eye exams to detect eye disease early, making simple lifestyle changes to promote vision health and taking safety precautions to avoid eye injuries are all important.?

Consuming eye-healthy foods, either on their own or in conjunction with other foods rich in protective nutrients, has been shown to promote eye health and protect against preventable eye conditions. These nutrients and their food sources include:

Omega-3s: Studies have shown that a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids can lower the risk of AMD, the leading cause of vision loss in Canada. The most common sources for this nutrient can be found in flax seeds, walnuts, soybeans and fatty fish, such as salmon or mackerel.

Beta-carotene: Beta-carotene, most commonly found in carrots, is a nutrient that the body converts into vitamin A and can offer protection against advanced AMD progression and cataracts when combined with other antioxidants.

Lutein and zeaxanthin: Eating foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin can reduce the risk of both AMD and cataracts by protecting against the oxidation of healthy tissue in the eye. Food sources include leafy greens and brightly coloured produce, such as squash, corn and orange peppers.

Fiber: Foods that are higher in fiber also have a low glycemic index (GI) ? a measure of how quickly carbohydrates raise blood glucose levels. Foods with a higher GI, such as white bread and potatoes, can increase the risk of AMD and cataracts; whereas low GI foods, such as oat bran, lentils, beans and barley, work to promote eye health.

Visit eyesareforlife.ca to learn more and take action for your eyes today.

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