Which Foods Are Good for Vision?
October 6, 2020
As people age, one of the things many struggle with is worsening eyesight. While the best way to keep your aging relative’s eyes healthy is for them to have regular eye exams, there are also things that can be done at home. Eating the right foods is not only a good way to keep the body healthy, there are also foods seniors can eat to help protect their eye health.
Nutrients Needed for Better Vision
Experts say that following the same diet that is recommended for better heart health is also good for eyesight. This kind of diet includes lots of plant-based foods, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also low in fat. But, if you are looking to improve the health of your older family member’s eyes, there are some specific nutrients to focus on, such as:
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Vitamin A: Vitamin A is necessary for the retina to function properly. It also helps with night vision and dry eye.
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Vitamin C: This nutrient protects the cells in the eye from being damaged by things like cigarette smoke, air pollution, and sunlight.
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Vitamin E: Vitamin E protects the eyes from damage caused by free radicals. It also assists with clearing pollutants from the eyes.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Including omega-3 fatty acids in a senior’s diet reduces the risk of them developing age-related macular degeneration.
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Zinc: Zinc is a mineral that also protects the eyes from damage caused by the sun.
Foods to Eat for Healthier Eyes
Once you know which nutrients your aging relative needs more of to protect their eyesight, the trick is to find the foods that contain those nutrients and include more of them in meals and snacks. Some foods to serve are:
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Red Peppers: Red peppers are rich in vitamin A. They have to be eaten raw, though, to have the best effect. Try adding them to salads or serving them with hummus as a snack.
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Fish: Certain fish are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Oily fish are the best source, so try serving tuna, salmon, trout, mackerel, and herring.
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Sunflower Seeds: Just one ounce of sunflower seeds contains half the amount of vitamin E needed for the day. Sunflower seeds are delicious when added to a salad but a handful can also be a good snack.
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Citrus Fruit: Citrus fruits, like oranges, provide vitamin C. Just be careful with grapefruit as it can interact with certain medications. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist first.
There are lots of other foods that contain nutrients needed for better vision. No matter which ones your aging relative likes, a senior care provider can help them to eat more of them. A senior care provider can prepare meals and snacks that follow the heart-healthy guidelines also good for eyesight. In addition, the senior care provider can increase the foods that contain the right nutrients for improved eyesight.
If you or your loved one is looking for Senior Care in San Jose, CA, please call Familiar Surroundings Home Care.
Santa Clara County: (408) 979-9990
San Mateo County: (650) 353-9777
Santa Cruz County: (831) 480-3990
Sources
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/ss/slideshow-eyes-sight-foods
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321226