How to maintain good eyesight

The old advice that we heard from our parents that we should eat carrots because it’s good for our eyes is true. This is because they contain betacarotene, which is converted in our bodies to vitamin A. This vitamin is so important for eye function that a serious deficiency of it causes blindness. Antioxidants are believed to help protect the cells and tissues in our eyes and throughout the body by neutralizing the harmful effects of “free radicals”.

These free radicals are oxygen molecules produced by the body through normal metabolic processes, but they can do damage to body’s cells and, over time, reduce their ability to regenerate themselves.

Our bodies produce antioxidants to fight free radicals, but the production of these declines with age. So, to support eye health, eating a diet rich in vitamins A, C and E is recommended. Good food sources of these include tomatoes, citrus fruits, peppers, raw carrots and green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, dairy products and eggs.

Fats have also been linked to vision. A diet high in saturated fats, found in meat products, butter, cakes and pastry, may have negative effects; while eating omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish such as mackerel, salmon and sardines, may help to maintain eye health.

There are harmful factors for our eyes. Smoking harms the tissues of the eyes, increases free radicals and ups the risk of developing some eye diseases. This risk can be reduced by quitting. Also, protect your eyes from sun exposure with good-quality sunglasses. There are lots of sunglasses offers a safe level of UV protection.

If you feel you diet may lack of nutrients, you might consider taking a supplement. A balanced diet including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended for maintaining eye health.
Source: boots healthclub