When your mom told you that carrots are good for your eyes, she was giving you good advice. More than 10 million Americans have Age-Related Macular Degeneration. This eye disease is now one of the leading causes of blindness and vision loss for people 65 years or older in this county.
While there is no cure for Age-Related Macular Degeneration, new studies show what you eat may help slow the progression or reduce the risk or having this debilitating disease.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recently released a cookbook called "Feast Your Eyes on This" on their Eye Care America website. This book recommends a diet rich in antioxidants. Some recommended foods include:
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin - found in leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, collard greens.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids - choose fish, nuts, vegetable oils and leafy greens.
- Vitamin C - foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, green peppers and tomatoes.
- Vitamin E - safflower oil, nuts and seeds are a good source of vitamin E.
- Zinc - select lean cuts of red meat, shellfish, nuts, whole grains, milk and eggs.
- Beta Carotene - pick dark orange and yellow fruits and vegetables like carrots, mangos, sweet potatoes and peaches.
Food for Sight
You will find several healthy recipes for your eyes in "Feast Your Eyes on This". As a preview, here is a great recipe for the grill this summer.
Chef Jyl Steinback's
Grilled Tuna with Pineapple-Orange Salsa
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp. chopped sweet onion (e.g. Vidalia, Walla Walla)
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 4, 6 oz. tuna steaks
- 2 tsp. garlic powder
- 2 tbsp. low-sodium teriyaki sauce
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:
Combine pineapple, orange juice, onion, and red pepper in a medium bowl and mix well; cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Sprinkle tuna steaks on both sides with garlic powder. Brush generously with teriyaki sauce. Heat broiler or grill to medium-high heat.
Cook (grill or broil) tuna 5 minutes; turn tuna, brush with teriyaki sauce, and cook an additional 5 minutes. Serve with pineapple salsa. Serves: 4
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center provides Lasik vision correction procedures in the San Diego, California area. We offer this web page as general information. This information should not be considered formal medical advice. Please contact us today for formal advice during a complimentary consultation in San Diego.
