What Should You Eat To Ease Macular Degeneration?

Posted on: 27 January 2017

If you have talked to people with macular degeneration, you may have heard a lot about the potential of diet or vitamins to help change the progress. There is still a lot that we need to know about preventing and reversing macular degeneration, but medical professionals do suggest that your diet may influence the health of your eyes. Certain vitamins and nutrients may be helpful to begin taking now. They may not be able to reverse the signs of macular degeneration or prevent the condition altogether, but doctors believe they may be able to slow progress of the disease considerably.

Dark, Leafy Veggies

Dark green vegetables are not only great for your health, but also for your eyes. Load up your plate with spinach, collard greens, mustard greens, and kale. Leafy greens contain lutein, which is an antioxidant. Even adding just a bit of raw spinach to your salad is a great start.

Fish

It is possible that eating fish several times each week may lower your chances of macular degeneration. This is because fish contains omega-3, which is great for your eyes. Consider adding sardines to your salad or eat a plate of wild salmon tonight for dinner. Not a fan of fish? That's okay. You can use an omega-3 supplement too.

Colorful Fruits

Fruits that are bright in color also contain lutein. These include oranges, mangoes, cantaloupes, and red grapes. Fruits also contain Vitamin C, which lead us to our next diet addition. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant found in many of your favorite foods already. In addition to lowering progression of macular degeneration, Vitamin C may also protect against cataracts. In order to reap these benefits, it is essential that you take Vitamin C alongside other essential nutrients and vitamins. You will find Vitamin C in oranges, red bell peppers, kale, broccoli, strawberries, and guava. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is also found in many favorites, from sweet potatoes to fortified cereals. Add more nuts to your diet to reap the benefits of Vitamin E, which also helps with other conditions of the eye, including cataracts. Eat a spoonful of peanut butter or add some nuts to your next salad for these benefits.

Overall, it is important to eat a varied diet. The more variety you have in your diet, the more likely it is that you are eating foods that are going to keep you healthy from the inside out.

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