What Not to Eat for Good Eyesight
"You are what you eat" is not just a cliche. It's true that the foods you ingest have a big effect on your overall health, and this includes your eyesight. Since March is
National Nutrition Month, now is an excellent time to refocus our energy on eating a healthy, diverse diet.
About National Nutrition Month
Sponsored by the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month began in 1973 to promote healthy eating and reduce the amount of food the average American wastes each year. According to Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson Cordialis Msora-Kasago, "While millions of Americans worry about how to feed their families, the amount of safe food wasted in the United States is on the rise." At Web Eye Care, we support the Academy in their goals.
It's essential to know what foods to avoid if you want to keep your eyesight as sharp as possible.
Sugar
Sugar is probably the worst food for eyesight. It's not an exaggeration to say that the more sugar you consume, the worse your eyesight will become over time.
Margarine and vegetable oils
The chemicals in these man-made products can lead to narrowing of blood vessels, a natural enemy of good eyesight.
Fried foods and highly-processed foods
The more salt and saturated fat in foods, the more these foods work to constrict the blood vessels. Avoid foods like bacon, lunch meat, processed crackers and cookies.
Sweet drinks
These products not only contain sugar, but often high-fructose corn syrup, which can lead to high blood pressure and the narrowing of the capillaries that lead to the eyes.
What to Eat for Good Eyesight
Equally important is knowing what foods to consume if you want to keep your eyesight as sharp as possible. Unfortunately, the average American may be confused as to what foods they can eat to help to promote good eyesight.
Foods with a high concentration of omega-3 oils are good for warding off vision problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. These foods include fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, anchovies and mackerel, as well as walnuts, eggs and green leafy vegetables, such as kale, spinach and collards. Other foods that promote good eye health includes citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, nuts, oysters, pork and, of course, carrots.
The role of food in maintaining good eyesight is undeniable. What better time than National Nutrition Month to focus on
eating well for your eyes?
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