Your vision is so important. It is one of your major senses helping you to function in just about every capacity.
As we age, vision problems become more common. Macular degeneration and cataracts are two of the conditions that can affect vision as we get older. Fortunately, the right diet can help you maintain eye health.
When you were younger, your parents may have told you to eat your carrots because they were good for your vision. Well, it turns out that this wasn’t just something they made up to get you to eat your vegetables. It happens to be true.
Read on to find out why carrots are so good for eye health.
Free radicals are compounds that can damage cells increasing the risk of chronic diseases including eye disease. Carrots are rich in beta carotene and lutein which are antioxidants that can protect the eyes from free radicals.
Beta carotene is valuable to vision because it protects against night blindness. Once it is absorbed into the body, it is converted into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is needed to form rhodopsin, the reddish-purple light sensitive pigment in your eye that helps you see at night. Cooked carrots will be the best source of beta carotene because they are easier for the body to absorb.
Lutein helps maintain good vision by protecting eyes from age related macular degeneration. Yellow carrots contain more lutein than other types of carrots and are recommended for optimal eye health.
Carrots are great for eye health because they contain high amounts of lutein and beta carotene. However, there are plenty of foods and supplements that are recommended for keeping eyes healthy. Maintain a diet that is rich in zinc, vitamin E, zeaxanthin, zinc and copper to keep your risk of eye disease low.
In addition to supporting eye health, carrots are a low-calorie snack that is great for digestion, heart health, maintaining blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of cancer and more. With all the benefits this vegetable can provide, there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t be making it a part of your healthy diet.
