Evidence shows that there is a direct link between nutrition and eye health. That’s probably no surprise. But did you know that some so-called beneficial foods just might not be?
Experts now say that some common beliefs are flawed. For example, carrots are often associated with a well-balanced diet geared toward eye health. However, spinach is actually more beneficial to the visual system.
When it comes to optic nutrition and optic nerve health, this is just one of many interlinked factors to consider. The question is: What powerful foods should be included in a healthy diet to protect eyes?
The first core components of eye nutrition are lutein and zeaxanthin. These two powerhouses are paramount to eye health.
Lutein and zeaxanthin belong to a family of compounds known as carotenoids. Interestingly, less than 20 of the many carotenoids found in the wild are found in the human body. That’s because the body does not make them.
Additionally, lutein and zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids found in the macula lutea, which is the part of the eye where the lens focuses light. And they’re found in higher amounts in the eyes than other nutrients.