By Edherigho Efemena
The eyes are extremely important as they play a very vital role in our everyday activities. They enable us relate with our environment; they help to keep us safe and alert. If other senses fail us, it is the eyes that best protect us from danger. Like other organs of the body, they need special foods to remain healthy and function very well. Some of these foods include the following:
Carrots: Carrots are well known to be good for the eyes. They contain vitamin A and beta carotene, which helps the surface of the eyes, prevents eyes infection, and other serious eye conditions.
Leafy green vegetables: Leafy, green leafy vegetables like spinach, fluted pumpkin (called ugu by Igbo people) , ewedu, etc, help prevent age-related eye diseases including cataracts and macular degeneration. They help to promote vision and the health of the retina.
Fatty fish: Salmon and tuna, are very good food to consume for a good healthy eyesight. These are healthy fats and they help to prevent dry eyes. They have the omega-3 fatty acid which can contribute to visual development and the health of the retina of the eyes.
Oysters: They are the best source for zinc, a mineral that is essential to eye health and vision. Zinc enables vitamin A to create a pigment called melanin, which protects the eyes and helps improve night vision.
Oranges: Oranges and other citrus fruits help promote eye health, protects vision and help the retina and other parts of the eyes to function efficiently.
Eggs: The incredible, edible egg is full of eye friendly antioxidants. Egg yolk is high in lutein, a type of carotenoid that helps fight macular degeneration, the leading cause of legal blindness.
Sweet potatoes: These orange tubers are a decent source of beta carotene, which may slow the progress of macular deterioration, which leads to glaucoma. Your body converts beta carotene to vitamin A, a nutrient that helps prevent night blindness and eyes dryness. They also help reduce the risk eye infections.