Various studies suggest that getting certain antioxidant nutrients from foods and supplements may help protect vision. They may also play an important role in preventing progression of eye disease.

Your mother was wise to tell you to eat your carrots because they were good for your eyes. Carrots as well as deep-colored vegetables and fruits are excellent sources of beta carotene, a building block for our eyes, especially for aging eyes.

So treat your eyes to the following super foods:

Sources of vitamin C: citrus fruits, papaya, cantaloupe, green pepper, Brussels sprouts, tomato juice, strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower, blueberries

Sources of vitamin E: almonds or almond butter, sunflower seeds, eggs

Sources of zinc: pumpkin seeds or pumpkin butter, oysters

Sources of beta carotene (precursor to vitamin A): carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, turnip greens, spinach, red bell pepper, winter squash, mangos, apricots, cantaloupe

Sources of lutein and zeaxanthin (relatives to beta carotene): kale, spinach turnip greens, collard greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, carrots

These are just a few examples of supper foods. Think orange and green fruits and vegetables and you will be doing your eyes a favor.


Protect your eyes:

• Stop smoking
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Maintain normal blood glucose levels
• Easy on alcoholic beverages
• Engage in regular physical activity to maintain heart and circulation health
• Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB
• See an eye doctor regularly

For more information on nutritional planning or complete nutritional assessments contact:
CJM LeBlanc HealthWorks, Centreville Mall, 121-342 Main Street, Shediac, N.B. E4P 2E7, tel: (506)533-8885, fax: 532-8644, e-mail: charlotteleb@rogers.com, web site: www.wellness-healthworks.com

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose or treat illness. The author, publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage suffered by individuals as a result of following advice in this article.