Eyesight is one of the most treasured gifts we had since birth and it is of vital importance that we should take good care of it. As we age our eyesight or vision diminishes, maybe in our late twenties or early thirties some of us already need glasses, BUT there are ways, specifically foods that can brighten and improve our vision.

• •  Salmon

  Salmon is rich in Omega-3, this fatty acid is linked to have lowered two problems related with vision and eyesight. According to some studies Omega-3 which is abundant in Salmons can help prevent or lessen Chronic Dry Eye and Macular Degeneration.
  With Macular Degeneration, studies have shown that 2 servings of Salmon per week decreases the condition significantly, while for Chronic Dry Eye, 2 to 4 servings per week or 5 to 6 servings of Salmon reduces disorder.

• Garlic

  Rich in minerals and Vitamins B1, C and A Garlic is known to help improve eyesight. Aside from these essential components, the spice is abundant in sulfur that generates Glutathione, a significant anti-oxidant which aids the eyes’ lenses.

  Garlic also contains MSM and Alpha Lipoid Acid which protects our eyes from UV lights. It also helps blood circulation in our eyes, which gives us better vision.
  To get your daily dose of garlic, the spice can be eaten raw or dried. It can also be made into tablets, capsules, powders and even oil. The bulb is known for its medicinal purposes, and of course for cooking.

• Dark Chocolates

  The mouth-watering “sweets” is known for several health benefits. It helps decreases one’s cholesterol, blood pressure. It is also a mood enhancer and has can boost our eyesight. Dark chocolates are usually rich in minerals, nutrients and vitamins that help our vision, however, one should keep in mind that it can cause weight gain, so taking it in moderation is a good way to indulge in this delectable grub.

  Dark chocolates are rich in Zeaxanthin and Lutein, and a serving which contains 16 mcg of these proteins helps reduce Cataracts and Macular Degeneration. Copper can also be found in this type of chocolates, which helps prevent optic nerves damage that can cause blindness. ‘

  The vitamin, Riboflavin is also found in dark chocolates. The essential vitamin prevents Cataracts that can impair vision, and it also affects the quantity of light the retina can absorb. Another Vitamin abundant in this type of chocolate, is Vitamin A which fights-offs Macular Degeneration, an eye condition common amongst older individuals.

  So the next time you feel the urge of eating chocolates, pick the dark ones since they have more health benefits compared to milk or white chocolates.

• Bilberries

  Round and small, Billberries are usually found on hillsides. It has little pink flowers with small leaves. It is either dark blue-purple in color. This pigmentation is due to a high quantity of Antocyanin, a Bioflavonoid which is a significant anti-oxidant that helps our vision.

  Billberries are known to improve night vision and it also sharpens eyesight. You don’t an HD Television, all you need are Billberries and for sure – you can see all the details in a picture. Other than that, it also protects from eyestrain that is usually common from using the computer daily.

  Vitamins found in Billberries also makes the retina stronger, it improves the integrity and strength of blood vessels which surrounds the eyes. It reduces the dangers of microcirculation damages by protecting the blood vessels and enhancing circulation.

• Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

  Spinach, Turnips, Cabbage and Lettuce are good examples of dark green leafy veggies that are known to improve vision.

  The Glaucoma Research Foundation stated that spinach contains a great quantity of Zeaxanthin and Lutein, significant anti-oxidants that helps prevent eye degeneration. Broccoli and Kale are also rich in essential minerals and nutrients that strengthen and boost vision.

  So, if there is a better reason to start or continue eating green veggies – make your eyes and vision the motivation you need to gobble down on those leaves!

• Carrots

  Parents have urged their kids to eat carrots in order to improve their eyesight, but the theory is a bit in the “grey area” of things. Yes, carrots contain heaps upon heaps of Beta-Carotene, which the body alters to Vitamin-A which is an essential nutrient for the eyes. However, if a blind person gobbles down a bag of carrots everyday it will not give him perfect vision.

  The association of carrots to eyesight and vision goes all the way back to the Second World War - when John Cunningham, also known as “Cats’ Eyes”, a Fighter Pilot of The British Royal Air Force attributed his skills and excellent night vision to his carrot diet. The Brits heard about this extraordinary story and in response they started growing and eating carrots, since they all wanted to have better vision specifically during obligatory blackouts which was common during the Second World War. However, Cunningham’s story is quite interesting but it was also a part of British propaganda to disguise the element that the British Royal Air Force was trying to pinpoint Luftwaffe bombers at night time.

  True or not, Carrots still has a lot of health benefits just because it’s association with eye health started with a war propaganda doesn’t mean that we should stop eating the vegetable.

• Tomatoes

  Tomatoes can be eaten raw, can be made into soup or even juice. It’s loaded with Calories, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Protein, Carbohydrate and Calcium and studies have revealed that it’s helpful against diabetes and certain cancers.

  Vitamin A found in tomatoes, enhances vision and aids in nourishing the blood vessels around the eyes. Flavonoids are also found in tomatoes that are also known to be ‘eye friendly.” Other than, Chinese medicines vouches that using tomato peels for eye masks are refreshing and therapeutic.

  Loaded with Beta-carotenes, Zeaxanthine and Lutein – tomato juice or soup is the best to maintain those beautiful eyes. Since these essential nutrients reduces the dangers of Macular Degeneration and prevents tissue generation.

As the saying goes, “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder,” But how can someone appreciate beauty if everything is so blurry? So eat, drink, devour these foods that can improve eye sight and be inspired like Van Gogh.

Sources
whfoods.com
how-to-improve-eyesight.com
livestrong.com
maculardegenerationtreatmenttips.com
how-to-improve-eyesight.com
tlc.howstuffworks.com
medimanage.com
buzzle.com