The Eyes Have It

Boomers are hearing a lot about eye health today including the serious eye disease, age-related macula degeneration (AMD). Here’s where nutrition can really play an important part in your tactics for excellent eye health. Food choices can work for you or against you when it comes to your health status so whether you have a garden, shop at a farmers’ market or grocery store, load up your basket with these winners:

Nuts, wheat products, oysters and lean beef are sources of zinc which may help lower the risk of developing AMD.

Butternut squash, sweet potatoes, greens, carrots, berries, guava, melon and other brightly colored fruit and vegetables contain the antioxidant vitamins A and C and phytonutrients such as beta carotene, zeaxanthin and lutein.

Antioxidants help protect your body by inhibiting oxidation and the damage caused by free radicals while the phytonutrients are also a boon for helping to prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.

Tuna, salmon, mackerel and flax for the omega 3 fats which may decrease dry eye symptoms.

Sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, avocados, peanuts and nut products, and eggs for Vitamins E and to help prevent cataracts.

The low down: munch on plenty of greens, brightly colored fruits and vegetables, some nuts and eggs, and a serving or two of fish each week.

Dr. Susan