Somewhere along the line we have all heard from a parent, grandparent or some other concerned family member that eating all the carrots on your plate is good for you. If you want to be able to see in the dark, you have to eat your carrots. Were those only old wives tales? Today is a great day to find out, because it is World Sight Day.
The carrot story is a bit of a stretch on the truth that vitamin A (and Beta Carotene in Carrots) help night vision.
It is not only carrots that would be beneficial for healthy eyes. The studies focused on Vitamins A, C and E, which can be found in many vegetables and fruits. These vitamins are also present in nuts, seeds, dairy products and eggs. Tomatoes, green beans, peppers, oranges, raw carrots and green leafy vegetables are a few of the fruit and vegetables that will assist in obtaining healthy eyes.
We all know that fruit and vegetables do play a large part in being healthy. By keeping your body healthy you will also keep your eyes healthy. Have a variety of vegetables and fruit, varying in color. As we get older certain eye related illnesses can surface. Age- related macular degeneration (AMD) occur in people generally over the age of sixty because of damage to the cells. Smokers are at a higher risk of AMD, and being overweight and having high blood pressure and cholesterol can also increase your risk. Taking in enough of the essential vitamins from a well balanced diet can help to protect you against these eye disorders in later years.
People sometimes find it easier to take supplements instead of watching their diets. There are, however, a lot of different views on the take of supplements. Some researchers believe that supplements have very little value while others seem to advocate the use of it. The supplement market is big and it is difficult to establish if the advocating of supplements is for the right reasons. Common sense should tell us that the primary source is always the best and the safest.
Eating foods from each of the core food groups – fruits, vegetables, lean meats & nuts, breads & cereals and dairy & alternatives is an ideal way to protect our bodies.
It doesn’t mean that supplements can’t be used. It can be useful in certain circumstances. However, some vitamins such as vitamin A can easily cause toxicity in the body, causing more damage than good. It is best to talk to a Registered Dietitian, Accredited Practising Dietitian or Physician before taking supplements.
The bottom line is to strive for a healthy lifestyle which will provide all the needed vitamins for a healthy body and healthy eyes.
Sources:
- http://www.rnib.org.uk/eyehealth/lookingafteryoureyes/Pages/nutrition.aspx
- http://www.mdfoundation.com.au/
- http://www.eyecaresource.com/health/healthy-eyes/
Tags: AMD, Beta Carotene, eyesight, Macular, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin-C
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