The old wives tale of eating carrots to improve your eye health is just that, a tale.
Even a poor diet provides an ample amount of beta carotene to contribute to eye health.
So, what should you be eating to preserve your eye health now and into the future?
According to Dr. David Kading, there are two factors when it comes to nutrition and eye health. First, you want to eat foods that will benefit your retinal health through the preservation of the macula. You also want to eat foods that will maintain quality moisture and prevent dryness.
Two types of foods that Dr. Kading recommends are good quality fish, which contains omega-3s (or pure omega-3 supplements) and red, orange and yellow vegetables, which provide provide zeaxanthin and lutein and protect your macula.
Why is this important?
Macular degeneration causes you to lose your central vision. The "garbage disposal" of the eyes isn't as effective at getting rid of old cells. Much like any other disease, macular degeneration isn't a result of you doing something wrong one time, but rather an accumulation of factors (including blue light exposure).
In order to avoid macular degeneration, you need to support the protective layers of the eye, the macular pigment. Zeaxanthin and lutein are superb components for helping to boost the macular pigment.
Listen in as Dr. Kading joins host Lisa Davis to explain more about which nutrients are best for preserving eye health.
Health Topics A-Z
Eating Clean for Optimal Eye Health
Guest
: David Kading, OD
From the Show: CLEAN Food Network
Summary: The old wives tale of eating carrots to improve your eye health is just that, a tale. What foods should you be eating?
Air Date: 4/18/16
Duration: 10 Minutes
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