Seven Eye Friendly Foods

Our eyes need tender loving care too and one way to do that is by eating right. Here are some foods that are good for our eyes.

1. We have often heard our parents forcing us to eat carrots because it is good for our eyes and oftentimes we try to sneak it out of our plate by hiding it beneath our shirt. Indeed, our parents are right; carrots are really good for the eyes.

Carrots contain the antioxidant beta carotene. This beta carotene works by reducing the risk of macular degeneration which is the most common cause of poor eyesight. So the next time we make salads and other dishes, let us make sure that we put in some carrots into the dish.

2. Do you hate eggs? Do you find eggs nauseating? Then you might want to think about it because eggs are not only good in storing fluids within the blood stream, it is also good for the eyes. Yes, eggs are indeed nutritious.

We may not know it but aside from protein, eggs are also rich in sulfur containing compounds like cysteine, lutein, lecithin, sulfur and some amino acids which are essential in keeping the lense healthy. These compounds also protect the lense from cataract formation.

3. Do you remember Popeye? Do you remember how he chugs down a can of spinach? Well then if in Popeye's case it makes him strong in our case, spinach is another food that can help maintain the health of our eyes. Spinach contains a combo of eye protecting vitamins and compounds like beta carotene, vitamin c, lutein and zeaxanthin.

These nutrients function like sunscreen for our eyes. High concentrations of these vitamins are found in the macula area. Lutein and zeaxanthin also increase the pigment density in the macula which then lowers the risk of macular degeneration.

4. Do you only eat turkey during Thanksgiving and Christmas? Well, then you might want to reconsider that because turkey is also good for your eyes. We may not know it but turkeys are a good source of zinc which helps in the conversion of beta carotene to vitamin A. Aside from that turkeys also contain niacin which helps protect the eyes against cataract formation.

5. You might love eating mashed potatoes but you might want to try mashed sweet potatoes instead. It may not be a common side dish but sweet potatoes are also good for the eyes. Just like carrots, these spuds also contain beta carotene, an essential nutrient for the maintenance of good eyesight.

6. Are you having trouble seeing in the dark? Do your eyes take a long time to adapt to the dark? Then you might want to eat more blueberries and grapes. Wondering why? Well these two contain anthocyanins, a nutrient that helps improve night vision. Eating more of these berries will surely help your eyes adjust in the dark which is important because although during the night there are lights, it still way different from day time.

7. Do you like cold water fishes like sardines, tuna and mackerel? Then continue doing so because you are doing your eyes a favor. Cold water fishes like those mentioned above contain a generous amount of DHA which provides the much needed structural support to cell membranes. DHA is also essential for those with dry eyes and those undergoing treatment for macular degeneration.

You don't have to wait for your eyesight to get blurry before you start eating healthy. You must start now. Eat healthy and keep your eyesight as clear as possible.