Nutrition
What's Good for Your Heart is also Good for Your Eyes
Research suggests antioxidants reduce your risk for eye diseases. Vitamin A protects against blindness (mom and Bugs Bunny were right about that carrot thing), and vitamin C may play a role in preventing or aiding glaucoma. Both vitamins C and E may reduce the risk for cataracts and macular degeneration.
Get your antioxidants from foods such as these:
Vitamin A: Carotenoids give carrots their orange color. You find these chemical compounds in many red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables and in green leafy vegetables. Best sources: cod liver oil, liver, carrots, sweet potatoes and butternut squash.
Vitamin C: Bioflavonoids are biologically active compounds found in the rinds of citrus fruit and other plants. They help your body absorb vitamin C. Best sources: sweet peppers (red or green), kale, strawberries, broccoli, oranges and cantaloupe.
Vitamin E: Go nuts for the protective effects of vitamin E. Best sources: sunflower seeds, almonds and hazelnuts.
Used with permission from www.health-eheadlines.com, © 2005, Write On, Inc.
