Poor eyesight is a more common problem these days than we realise. We tend to blame it on the sudden rise in the usage of mobile phones or long working hours in front of computers or watching too much TV. These factors do play a role in affecting eyesight but we should not ignore another important factor that may lead to deterioration of eye health. Malnutrition or undernutrition can also affect eyesight to a great extent. Just like our body, our eyes too need a certain amount of nutrients to keep functioning normally.
Maintaining a well-balanced, healthy diet is key to keeping your eyes healthy, and may help reduce your risk for developing eye conditions. Serious eye conditions may be avoided if you include foods that contain a range of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals, known as antioxidants.
Here’re some fruits that are proven to be benefits for your eyes.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruit are high in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps the body form and maintain connective tissue, including collagen found in the cornea of the eye. Vitamin C also supports the health of blood vessels in the eye. It may help with age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.
Apricot
This fruit stocks up on beta-carotene, which is known to delay ageing of the eyes. Apricots also contain many other nutrients like zinc, copper, vitamin C and E, which fight together to beat macular degeneration.
Bananas
Potassium is also great for eye health, particularly for dry eyes, as it is one of the important components that make up the tear film and help to maintain film thickness. Bananas are also a source of vitamin A which is also crucial for eye health. Vitamin A protects the cornea, which is essential for good vision.
Papaya
Loaded with minerals, antioxidants and enzymes, papaya is a wonder food that spells overall welfare for eyes.
Berries
Strawberries, cranberries, blackberries and blueberries are great superfoods for healthy functioning eyes. Berries are packed with nutritious vitamins and minerals and are of particular benefit in maintaining eye health. Antioxidants present in most berries may help to prevent dryness, lower blood pressure, vision defects and macular degeneration.
Mango
This popular summer fruit is packed with vitamin A, an antioxidant that wards off bacteria and infections from the surface of the eye. Paucity of vitamin A causes dryness and clouding, which may cast some risk for general eye health.
Avocado
With high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin compounds, avocados help in improving night vision and protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
There are a number of ways you can consume and enjoy these fruits. You could choose to blend them in a smoothie, add them to a dessert or add them to a fruit salad. Adding these tasty fruits to your diet can help with keeping your eyes healthy, but it is very important to schedule regular eye examinations with your ophthalmologist to detect any underlying eye problems.
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