Categories: General Optometry

What Eating Leafy Greens Does to Your Eyes

Eating right can help you avoid different eye conditions. Your eye can benefit from foods rich in antioxidants, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins A, C and E. Many of these vitamins and minerals can be found in your leafy greens. 

Here’s why eating leafy greens that can help improve eye health. 

Kale

Kale, considered a superfood, is rich in vitamin A. You can get your daily recommended intake of vitamin A with half a cup of kale. Besides vitamin A, kale also contains vitamin B, beta-carotene, calcium, potassium and iron. The nutrients found in this vegetable can strengthen your retina, the part of the eye that receives light. Kale also aids in keeping the blood cells in the eyes healthy. 

Spinach

Spinach has high lutein and zeaxanthin content, which are essential antioxidants for your eyes and body. They fight off free radicals that kill cells in your eyes and cause vision problems. Incorporating this vegetable into your diet can help prevent macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. 

Poor food choices can contribute to the development of this eye disease. Family history is also a contributing factor. Make sure to get your eyes checked regularly to determine if anyone in your family has macular degeneration. 

Watercress

Watercress is usually used as a garnish so many people tend to push it aside. Like kale, it is packed with vitamins and minerals beneficial to the eyes. It contains vitamins A, B6, B12, C and K, iron, calcium, lutein, magnesium and zeaxanthin. You can get more calcium and vitamin C from these small leafy greens than from milk and oranges. 

Arugula

Arugula is rich in carotenoids, vitamins A and B, calcium, potassium and iron. The high carotenoid content in these leafy greens helps the eyes absorb nutrients they need to stay healthy. Simply adding arugula to your slice of pizza or salad bowl can help you get these nutrients. 

Whether you need scleral lenses or prescription glasses, Insight Vision Center Optometry is here to help. Give us a call at (714) 486-3315, or complete our contact form to learn more about our services. We assist patients in Newport and Costa Mesa, CA.

Insight Vision Center Optometry

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