Nutrition can play an important role in the health of the eyes. Damage to the eyes can occur over the lifetime of the individual and one of the main drivers of eye disease is free radical generation, which can in turn lead to oxidative stress. Free radicals can damage various parts of the eyes, with the retina, vitriolic gel and lens being particularly susceptible. Cataracts, glaucoma, vitriolic degeneration and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are all eye diseases that affect these portions of the eyes. Risk factors that can accelerate these diseases include those that increase free radical generation such as sunlight, smoking, poor diet and obesity. To counteract the damage from free radicals a number of nutrients can be taken that have antioxidant effects. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids found in fruits and vegetables that can have a significant positive effect on eye health because they accumulate in the eye, particularly the retina, and here they protect the eye from damage. This function is similar to the role they play in plants, where they protect plant tissues from the generation of free radicals caused by excessive sunlight. Other nutrients that have antioxidant effects that may benefit the eye include green tea catechins, anthocyanins, resveratrol, and Ginkgo biloba. A healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables can provide high amounts of these and other antioxidants and those who wish to protect their eyesight should consider increasing these types of foods in their diets.
Eat Well, STay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
