Food Choices To Protect Your Vision

The age related disease most likely to cause people who are over 50 to lose their sight is macular degeneration.

At present there is no cure. But, you can decrease your risk for this age related disease by making food choices that protect your vision.

The first step is to choose foods that have low glycemic index values.

The glycemic index measures how a food affects your normal blood sugar levels; the higher the glycemic index number, the more quickly it raises your blood sugar and causes your body to release insulin.

Huge spikes in blood sugar and insulin production can be harmful to the body, and can lead to the development of diabetes, another disease which can rob you of your ability to see well.

Not only can a low glycemic index diet help you protect your vision, it can also help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Protein, nuts, and many vegetables have low glycemic index values.

You should also choose foods rich in the following nutrients:

  • Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits
  • Vitamin E, such as nuts and vegetable oils, and leafy green vegetables
  • Zinc, such as seafood
  • Lutein, such as broccoli, kale, eggs and spinach
  • Zeaxanthin, such as turnip greens, romaine lettuce and zucchini
  • Omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, such as salmon and other fatty fish.