Important Vitamins and Minerals for Eye Health
If you're like most people, you probably don’t pay too much attention to your eyesight until it starts to deteriorate. But there are specific vitamins and minerals that can help keep your vision sharp!
Let's take a closer look at some of the most important vitamins and minerals for eye health.
Vitamin A
This is the most well-known of all the eye vitamins, and for good reason! Vitamin A is responsible for helping our eyes adjust to different levels of light, and it helps keep the corneas healthy. Foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach are all excellent sources of vitamin A.
Vitamin C
Not only is it great for boosting the immune system, but it’s also great for the eyes. Vitamin C helps reduce the risk of cataracts, a common age-related eye condition. Foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers are all packed with vitamin C, so make sure to load up on these foods.
Vitamin E
This powerful antioxidant helps protect your eyes from harmful free radicals that can damage your cells. Vitamin E also helps improve blood flow to the eyes, which can be especially helpful for macular degeneration. Nuts, seeds, and leafy greens are all great sources of vitamin E, so be sure to snack on some almonds or add some greens in your salads.
Zinc & Copper
Two important minerals for eye health are zinc and copper. Zinc helps our bodies absorb vitamin A, and it’s also important for the formation of melanin, which is a pigment that protects our eyes from the sun. If you're not getting enough zinc in your diet, you might experience poor night vision or difficulty seeing in low-light conditions. Copper, on the other hand, helps our bodies produce melanin. To boost your zinc intake, try adding more pumpkin seeds into your diet.
It's important to remember that a healthy diet rich with the above vitamins and minerals is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to maintaining good eyesight. Regular eye exams, wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays, and avoiding smoking are all important for keeping your eyes healthy as well.