8 Foods to Protect Your Eye Health

Modern people are increasingly inseparable from electronic devices. At work, our eyes are fixed on computer screens, and during our leisure time, they are glued to the screens of our phones and tablets. The problem of eye strain is becoming more and more serious. Today, the editor recommends 8 types of food that can help us protect our eye health.

Spinach and Egg Drop Soup

1. Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes – Prevent Eye Diseases

Spinach contains a large amount of lutein, which is very effective in preventing macular degeneration caused by aging eyes and also helps prevent cataracts. Not just spinach, it is essential for the human body to consume green vegetables to intake nutrients including Vitamin B2 and beta-carotene. When Vitamin B2 is sufficient, the eyes are less likely to be bloodshot; beta-carotene can be converted into Vitamin A in the body to prevent conditions like dry eye syndrome.

Cherry tomatoes are a vitamin warehouse. The Vitamin A content in cherry tomatoes is among the best in fruits and vegetables. They are also rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin P, which can scavenge free radicals, have strong antioxidant capabilities, and thus protect the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of cells, avoiding gene mutations. At the same time, the pectin in cherry tomatoes can increase skin elasticity, so eating them as a snack can both beautify the skin and protect the eyes.

2. Egg Yolk – Delay Eye Aging

In addition to lutein being beneficial for the eyes, another nutrient, zeaxanthin, also has good antioxidant effects and can protect the eyes. These two types of nutrients can reduce the damage of ultraviolet rays to the eyes, delay eye aging, and prevent eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts.

The natural food that contains both lutein and zeaxanthin, and even various nutrients such as protein, fat, and lecithin, is the egg yolk. Some people think they should not eat the yolk of an egg to avoid excessive cholesterol and thus discard it, which is a real pity. For the elderly whose daily diet is generally very light, consuming a moderate amount of highly nutritious egg yolk every day is a very important source of nutrition.

3. Broccoli – Improve Vision

Broccoli not only improves vision but also helps prevent cataracts. Broccoli contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which have antioxidant effects, protecting the eye's lens and reducing damage from free radicals in the body.

Garlic Broccoli

4. Corn – Prevent Cataracts

The greatest contribution of corn to humanity is its rich content of lutein and zeaxanthin (a type of carotene). Although they are not nutrients, their function is superior to that of nutrients; they are powerful antioxidants that can protect the light-sensitive area of the eye called the macula, preventing age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. The macula is the tissue located in the center of the retina that controls vision.

As the body's functions age, when the fat in the macular area oxidizes, is damaged, and destroyed, macular degeneration, decreased vision, and even blindness can occur. Lutein and zeaxanthin, with their powerful antioxidant effects, can absorb harmful light that enters the eyeball and maintain the health of the macula.

5. Sweet Potato and Blueberry – Prevent Eye Fatigue

Many people complain that their eyes get tired easily, or that grease builds up, making the eyes feel uncomfortable, painful, and even difficult to open. This can be caused by the decline of liver and kidney function. To enhance the function of the liver and kidneys, in addition to avoiding excessive fatigue, one can also consume beneficial foods. A representative food is the sweet potato, which has the effect of "tonifying the middle and replenishing qi," can improve the function of digestive organs, and has nourishing effects on the liver and kidneys. Sweet potatoes also contain a large amount of anthocyanins, pigments that keep the eyes healthy and improve vision.

Blueberry Coconut Milk Ice Cream

The anthocyanins in blueberries are often used for vision protection for people with nearsightedness and to prevent the deterioration of eyesight. Blueberries also have good anti-free radical effects, so their anti-aging function cannot be ignored.

6. Chrysanthemum Tea – Relieve Dry Eyes

Chrysanthemum is rich in Vitamin A, an important substance for protecting eye health, and is also a good medicine in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating various eye diseases. Chrysanthemum tea can refresh the mind and brighten the eyes, and it is very effective for relieving dry eyes caused by liver fire and overuse of the eyes. People who often feel their eyes are dry, especially those who often use computers, can drink more chrysanthemum tea.

Office workers might as well prepare chrysanthemum + goji berries, or chrysanthemum + honey in their office. Using a thermos, add hot water to brew, which can effectively relieve eye fatigue and soothe the body and mind.