Eye health is an easy subject for many people to overlook. Those who have never had to deal with severe vision loss or a specific eye condition might simply take their eyes for granted. However, neglecting your eyes can be a big mistake. After all, you only get one set of eyes. Those in particular who have a family history of eye issues will want to make positive lifestyle changes to keep their eyes healthy.
One of the best things you can do for your eyes involves your diet. There are a number of vitamins and nutrients that have been scientifically proven to promote the health of your eyes. Moreover, some of these nutrients might even help maintain the health of your eyes as you age.
Plant-based foods can be a great source of the vitamins and nutrients that your eyes need to continue to function properly. Here are three such foods that you should consider adding to your diet to help promote your eyes’ health and wellness.
1. Kale
Kale has long been touted as a superfood, and for good reason. It is rich in vitamin A, a vitamin that can also be incredible for eyes. This has to do with the fact that your eyes and several of its key components are sensitive to damage from the sun. Vitamin A can help to keep your eyes protected from sunlight damage. Since conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration are linked to sun damage, kale should become a staple in your eye-healthy diet.
Reducing your risks of developing such conditions also involves getting your eyes the oxygen they need. It can be helpful to switch to one day lenses to give your eyes a break from wearing contact lenses every day, a habit that can deprive your eyes of much-needed oxygen.
2. Carrots
It is almost cliché to say that carrots are good for your eyes; however, the facts are the facts. Carrots contain a high amount of beta carotene, which is an antioxidant that can help to protect your eyes at the cellular level. Another key nutrient found in carrots is an antioxidant called lutein. This antioxidant can help protect your eyes against macular degeneration. Ultimately, your body will convert the beta carotene that you consume into vitamin A, which is incredibly beneficial to your eyes.
3. Chia Seeds
One nutrient that has gained quite the reputation for promoting eye health is that of omega-3 fatty acids. This is because omega-3s can help protect your eyes against macular degeneration as well as complications from dry eye. They can also decrease your risk of glaucoma.
The chia seed is a plant-based food that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It is also super easy to incorporate into your regular diet as chia seeds are essentially tasteless. If chia seed pudding isn’t quite your style, simply mix a few spoons of them into your oatmeal or top any salad with a sprinkling of these super seeds.