1. Mighty Omega
Omega 3 fatty acids, as found in flaxseed and fatty fish, are essential oils that help to protect the cardiovascular system, heart and apparently the eyes. It seems that new benefits of omega 3 fatty acids are found on a daily basis, and now blindness prevention can be added to the list. Omega 3 helps to prevent the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eyes which lead to a number of vision problems. To get more omega 3, include flaxseed and fish in your regular diet or take supplements of up to 2.5 gm.
2. Get Your Daily Five to Eight
When your mother told you to eat your vegetables, she had good reason. The American Medical Association states that you can reduce the risks of macular degeneration by getting at least 6 mg of lutein each day. That means that you can prevent vision loss through diet by simply making sure you get your daily dose of five to eight servings of fruits and vegetables. While lutein is available in supplement form, it is best absorbed into the body when in food form, so protect vision with foods such as peas, Brussel sprouts, romaine lettuce, kale, spinach and corn.
3. A to Z for You and Me
The most important micronutrients for vision include vitamins A, E, C as well as zinc. While you should be receiving all of these with your daily five to eight, you can increase the nutrients your body absorbs by eating more raw fruits and vegetables, steaming, baking or broiling your foods instead of boiling and leaving the peels on your fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Make sure your diet is balanced with fruit, vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts and fish. If you feel that your vision is deteriorating, you can speak to a naturopath about possible vitamin supplements for vision loss.
4. Wine, Anyone?
We have all heard that a single glass of red wine each night can help to prevent or reduce the risks of heart disease; however, new studies have shown that it may also help to prevent macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a common vision condition which effects nerve cells within the retina and is common in people over 65. While wine should never be consumed in large quantities, a glass a day may be just what the ophthalmologist ordered.
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