Eat Your Way to Healthier Eyes
- Posted on: Jan 9 2016
Your mom always said eating carrots would lead to healthier eyes, and she may be right. A recent study done by Kings College of London has shown that eating your fruits and vegetables may help to reduce the risk of developing cataracts. By increasing the amount of Vitamin C in your diet, you will be 33% less likely to develop cataracts. Cataracts develop as the eye ages and clouds the lens, making it difficult to see clearly. While there are surgeries to remove cataracts, it is much easier on you and your body to try increasing your intake of Vitamin C so that cataract removal procedures are unnecessary.
This new UK study followed over 1,000 pairs of British female twins for 10 years and examined their eyes regularly to watch for the development of cataracts. The participants who had high amounts of Vitamin C in their diets had a one-third lower chance of getting cataracts for the length of the study.
The researchers behind the study believe that this vitamin reduces the risk of cataract development because it is an antioxidant. Fluid inside the eye is high in Vitamin C and helps to prevent the oxidation that creates cataracts and clouds the lens. By increasing the amount of Vitamin C in your diet, you will be adding a boost to this fluid in the eye.
Interestingly, researchers found that increasing Vitamin C intake through supplements instead of through your diet did not help to reduce the risk of developing cataracts. So to best protect your eyes from cataracts, start snacking on citrus fruits, kiwis, bell peppers, berries, broccoli, kale, spinach, mango, papaya, and brussels sprouts. Increasing your Vitamin C intake through a variety of foods can be easy and delicious.
While we previously believed cataracts were strongly linked to genetics, this study shows that diet has a significant influence on their development. The researchers behind the study believe that your diet can account for as much as 65% of the risk of cataract progression. By eating healthily, you can help prevent the onset of cataracts and keep your vision clear for years to come. It seems like there may be some truth to the saying “you are what you eat.”
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