When it comes to maintaining eye health, most people assume that procedures like Lasik are the only solution. Not only can these procedures be expensive, but they are sometimes not necessary. Some people choose to take vitamins and supplements to maintain eye health, such as lutein capsules or supplements for AMD. What many people don’t know, however, is that maintaining and improving eye health can be as simple as eating a healthy, balanced diet! Including foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients in your everyday diet can be incredibly beneficial to your eye health, and creating recipes centered around these foods is a fun way to make sure you’re getting important vitamins and minerals. Here are some foods that can improve eye health and a few ways to incorporate them into your diet!
Broccoli
Not only is broccoli one of the healthiest foods for overall health, but this green vegetable is also one of the best foods for eye health. Broccoli contains several vitamins and nutrients that can improve eye health, including lutein and vitamins A and C. Broccoli can be prepared in a variety of ways, but steaming is typically considered the healthiest way to prepare it. Broccoli is commonly eaten alone as a side dish, but can also be included as an ingredient in countless meals and recipes. The next time you make a pasta dish, throw in some broccoli florets for a boost of eye health goodness!
Salmon
Salmon is one of the best foods for maintaining vision, as the oily fish contains Omega-3 fatty acids that contribute to eye health. In addition to this, eating salmon can also help prevent dry eyes. When purchasing salmon, keep in mind that wild-caught salmon is typically considered healthier than farm-raised salmon, as farm-raised salmon has more saturated fat and may contain more contaminants. Salmon is also an extremely versatile food and can be seasoned many different ways. Saffron, a popular ingredient in eye supplements, is a spice that is commonly used in salmon dishes. You can incorporate saffron into your salmon dishes by using the spice to create a creamy sauce. Saffron is such a popular component in many eye health supplements that many people have included supplements like Saffron 20/20 in their everyday diets. Both saffron and salmon are great for maintaining eye health, so try introducing them into your diet if you haven’t already.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are one of those vegetables that people tend to either love or hate. The good news is, if you’re someone who hates sweet potatoes, these root vegetables can be prepared in a variety of ways, so you’re likely to find one that you enjoy. Sweet potatoes are rich in several vitamins and nutrients that aid in maintaining healthy eyes, such as vitamin A, beta-carotene and fiber. One popular way to prepare sweet potatoes is by cutting them into fries and baking them in the oven. Sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular french fries, and many restaurants have started offering sweet potato fries on their menu. You can also enjoy sweet potatoes baked, roasted, or steamed, if you prefer to eat them plain.
Carrots
You’ve probably heard that carrots are good for your eyesight, and it’s true! Carrots are extremely rich in vitamin A, which helps protect the surface of the eye. Carrots are another vegetable that are beneficial for overall health, so including them in your everyday diet can do wonders for your wellbeing. Carrots can be prepared in several different ways, including boiling, roasting, and sauteing. You can also include carrots in various soups and salads, making it easy to incorporate this healthy vegetable into your everyday diet.