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.

Are flu shots a safe and effective means to prevent the flu? Let’s consider a few facts. Just because you receive a flu shot, doesn’t mean that you will create antibodies to the vaccine that will protect you when exposed. The very young and the very old decrease their chances.

The flu shots contains only a few strains chosen each year based on reported influenza-like illness throughout the world that health and government agencies monitor. Will the strain chosen for this year be the influenza that will actually be in your region?

Some flu vaccines contain thimerosal which is 49% ethylmercury. Yes mercury! We are told to minimize our intake of certain fish due to their mercury content, but it is ok to put it in vaccines.

Influenza can be serious, occasionally deadly. Each person needs to make their decision based on facts, not on fear caused by media hysteria over limited supplies. A healthy diet, exercise, adequate rest and hand washing can go a long way in supporting the immune system. Use of food supplements, herbs and homeopathy can provide the added boost during cold and flu season to prevent or reduce symptoms of the flu.

Homeopathic companies make remedies that can be used for flu prevention which are effective and without the side effects of vaccines.

This health note is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat disease.

For more information on foods to include and eliminate to boost your immune system contact us: 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

Fats are important to good health. They provide a concentrated source of energy for our bodies, work hand in hand with the health of our immune system and help us absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E and K). Moderation and choosing healthy fats like extra virgin olive or canola oils (in dark bottles as these oils are sensitive to heat and light) are the keys to good nutrition.

According to a 12-week study at Iowa State University, none of the lycopene or alpha or beta-carotene that fight cancer and heart disease is absorbed from salads with fat-free dressing. Only slightly more is absorbed with reduced-fat dressing; the most is absorbed with full-fat dressing.

So cut back on saturated fats from bacon and cheese that you put in your salads and enjoy a homemade full fat dressing and full health.


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