Important Nutrients For Healthy Eyes

Resveratrol: from plants such as the skin of red grapes, this powerful nutrient protects your nerves, including photoreceptors in the eye. It is known to delay the effects of health conditions related to aging, and helps protect the retina from oxidative damage

Lutein and zeaxanthin: These yellow and orange colors are in many fruits and vegetables.

The names of these nutrients come from their natural colours. Lutein comes from the Latin word luteus, which means golden yellow. Zea refers to the corn plant, and comes from the Greek word for yellow. Both of these nutrients are concentrated in yellow and orange plants, such as carrots, squash, tomatoes, and marigold flowers. They are also in dark, leafy greens such as spinach, kale and collards.

Why include lutein and zeaxanthin?

• Lutein and zeaxanthin are naturally concentrated in the macula.
• Lutein and zeaxanthin form the yellow color of the retina and absorb blue light, a harmful component of sunlight.
• In the eye, lutein and zeaxanthin act as internal sunscreens to reduce the damaging effect of intensive light. This helps protect the retina, and may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
• Scientific studies show that diets low in lutein and zeaxanthin increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.
• Getting enough lutein and zeaxanthin every day is critical to having good vision, especially as you grow older.
• Lutein and specially zeaxanthin are scarce in a regular daily diet.

Our bodies cannot make lutein and zeaxanthin, so we need to get the right amounts from foods and supplements

Eye nutrients also includes vitamins and minerals:

In various studies and clinical trials antioxidant vitamins found in certain foods have been linked with eye health. They help to maintain healthy cells and tissues in the eye. The main focus of these studies has been on the anti-oxidant vitamins A, C, E, and B2.

• Vitamin A for general eye health and to develop and maintain night vision
• Vitamin B2 for normal, healthy vision
• Vitamins C & E that work together to help protect cells in our eyes against daily damage as we age.
• Minerals zinc and copper: minerals that play an important role in keeping your eyes healthy.