Nutrition for Your Eyes

"Eat your carrots, they're good for your eyes," my mother used to
tell me. As a child, I didn't realize how true this statement was.

We all know proper nutrition and diet are key elements in
maintaining a healthy body. But did you know that certain
nutrients can actually reduce your likelihood of becoming
blind through eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and
macular degeneration?

Research also indicates that low levels of certain nutrients in
your body can affect your everyday visual clarity, especially
your night vision.

For example, whether she knew it or not, there was a reason your
mother used to pile those carrots on your plate. Carrots contain
a carotenoid called beta-carotene. Your body converts
beta-carotene into vitamin A, which is an anti-oxidant.
Anti-oxidants such as vitamin A are essential to eye health.

*Carotenoids are pigments in plants that provide red and yellow
color.
*Beta-carotene is a carotenoid. It is contained in carrots and
other food sources. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin
A.
*Vitamin A is an anti-oxidant that is very important to the
health of the eyes.
*An antioxidant is any substance that prevents or impedes cell
oxidation (destruction) by free radicals.

Vitamin A:

*helps your eyes adjust to light changes
*moistens the eyes, which can enhance visual acuity
*has been shown to prevent the forming of cataracts
*has been shown to help prevent blindness from macular
degeneration-the leading cause of blindness in the world

There are actually 17 different nutrients that are essential
in ensuring your vision is operating at 100%.