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Nutrition and the eye

As our knowledge of disease prevention and advances in medical research and technology grows, so does our life expectancy. Longer lifespan results in an increase in age-related disease.

Preventing age-related eye diseases, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, is important because of high health-care costs and the debilitating nature of vision loss.

Lutien, zeaxanthin, vitamin C and vitamin E are important for eye health. Vitamin A is necessary for night vision and keeps the membranes in the front part of the eye healthy.

Smoking cessation, adequate intake of carotenoid fruits and vegetables, lifestyle factors, regular eye exams and avoidance of excessive sunlight exposure can all help reduce the risk of several eye diseases.

Other supplements
As well as the foods, vitamins and minerals already mentioned, one could supplement with extra selenium, folic acid, ginger, vitamin D without iron or retinol, co-enzyme Q-10 and calcium.

Vitamins,  minerals and trace-elements required include:

 Vitamin A
Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B2

Niacin - Vitamin B3

Vitamin B6

Folic Acid

Vitamin B12

Biotin

Pantothenic Acid

Calcium

Iodine

Magnesium

Zinc

Selenium

Copper

Manganese

Chromium

Molybdenum

Chloride (Potassium Chloride)

Molybdenum

 Chloride (Potassium Chloride)
Potassium

Boron

Vanadium

Betaine Hydrochloride

Taurine

N-acetyl Cysteine

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Astaxanthin

Zeaxanthin

Lycopene

Ginkgo Biloba

Flavonoids

Bilberry

Grape Seed Extract

Fish Oil

Rutin

L-Glutathione

Green Tea

Flaxseed Oil

Black Currant Seed Oil

Mucopolysaccharide

Tumeric


Lutein is a carotenoid found naturally in leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli and collard greens, as well as eggs and corn.  Lutein is an antioxidant that helps reduce harmful free radicals that can contribute to cell damage. It also filters or absorbs blue light from the visible light spectrum. Scientists believe lutein and an accompanying molecule, zeaxanthin, are the predominate antioxidants found in the center of the retina, called the macula. Lutein has been researched for its role in reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in older people. More than 300 peer-reviewed studies have explained the benefits of lutein to the eyes, heart, skin and immune system. It may also offer protection for men and women with diabetes.

Vitamin A is essential to sustain human life and must be consumed in adequate amounts. It is generally associated with the health of the eye, especially protecting night vision and the health of the cornea. Vitamin A also may help in the prevention of cataracts. Vitamin A also is important in the skin and its ability to heal, which can be a problem for persons with diabetes.

 



 
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