Can you hear the sleighbells yet? The holiday season is just around the corner; and that means holiday parties, family gatherings and tons of delicious food. Celebrate the season with these delicious, healthy holiday foods that are also great for your eyes.
Carrots
Everyone has heard their parents say carrots are good for your eyes, and it turns out they were right. Carrots are a rich source of what’s known as beta-carotene, which our bodies convert into vitamin A. This is essential for reducing the risk of macular degeneration and senile cataracts. When processed through our liver, vitamin A provides us with rhodopsin, a purple pigment used for night vision.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes have more vitamins and less calories than any other type of potato. They contain more than four times the necessary amount of vitamin A we require and are a good source vitamins C and E, which are loaded with antioxidants working to protect your eyes from degenerative damage.
Broccoli
You may not like to eat your veggies, but your eyes will thank you. Broccoli is a great source of vitamins A, C, B6, lutein, zeaxanthin and sulforaphane. Studies have shown long-term consumption of these nutrients protect the retina against oxidative damage, the sun’s ultraviolet light and may also reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and blindness.
Pumpkin
The pumpkin is usually seen as decoration piece or key pie ingredient this time of the year, but they are a valuable source of vitamin A, lutein and antioxidants essential in the maintenance of healthy eyes.
Apples
An apple a day, keeps the doctor away. Apples are associated with overall health, but they also play a large role in keeping your eyes healthy. Apples strengthen eyes and improve eyesight through the presence of flavonoids, a powerful antioxidant that improves blood circulation and helps prevent a variety of eye disease.
Cranberries
Cranberries can almost always be spotted somewhere on the table. Not only are they packed with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that may slow the development of AMD, but they also work to significantly slow nuclear cataracts, the most common type of cataract.
