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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – We feed our hunger, our appetite and most of us feed our cravings, at least once in awhile. But how often do we feed our body mainly for the purpose to nourish and protect? Okay, in other words, how many times during this past week did we consider how our food choices are connected to the function, appearance and health of our body? This week, let’s discuss “Feeding Our Eyes” because they are vital to our health and happiness.
There’s a saying that “Our Eyes are Our Windows to the World” (Okay, this is my version of the saying), and I think most of us would agree that our eyes are very important. Unfortunately, even those of us who were lucky enough to be born with 20/20 vision need to protect ourselves from the two most common age related eye diseases, Cataracts, and Macular Degeneration. Macular Degeneration in particular, is a disease that we can help ourselves prevent by eating those wonderful, colorful phytochemicals known as the Carotenoids!
Why? Well, the retina in our eyes contains the highest concentration of pigments in our body, which absorb the sun’s rays (acting as antioxidants) and which overtime (I’m referring to the aging process unfortunately) we start to lose. Studies have found that those of us with the lowest amount of the phyto’s Leutein and Zeaxanthin circulating in our blood, have the highest rate of age-related macular degeneration. But let’s not fret, we can replenish these pigments with food. Studies have also shown that people with macular degeneration have been found to have lower levels of zeaxanthin and lutein in the macula itself than people without—which supports the premise that these antioxidants provide some protection. Since our eyes are so important to us, let’s think about replenishing the pigments in our eyes with nature’s chemicals that are found in foods.
So, what can we eat to help keep our eyesight?
Eggs. Yes, whole eggs contain a high bio-available form of Leutein (meaning very useable by our body). One study used designer eggs with the highest amount found in the yolks, but regular supermarket eggs still contain high amounts.
Spinach. Popeye was misinformed about spinach’s high iron content, (it may contain a high amount of iron, but it’s not a good source of Bio-available iron) but it does contains high Bio-available amounts of these colorful carotenoids.
Vitamin C, Vitamin E. These important vitamins act as antioxidants and they are also found in our eyes in high concentrations. So, citrus fruits as well as all fresh fruits and veggies all contain Vitamin C, including once again spinach! Vitamin E is found in Spinach (Popeye was on the right track here), Broccoli, Sweet Potatoes, Avocado, Chick Peas, and the highest Bio-available forms of E (with the most calories unfortunately) are found in Soybean oil, Corn oil, Canola oil and Cashews. So, with these last few foods, let’s think moderation as in 1 tablespoon?
Studies also suggest that taking supplements containing the above nutrients and carotenoids positively correlate with a lower incidence of these eye diseases as well. So, now that we will begin to feed our eyes, here is a reliable website to go to for more information www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/aug03/eye0803.htm and another The American Academy of Ophthalmology’s eye health topics: http://www.aao.org/
Want a good laugh? Laughing is great for our health and now we can laugh and support our eyesight too. How?
Laugh for Sight, a New York based non-profit focused on raising funding and public awareness for retinal degenerative disease research, will host its 5th Annual Laugh For Sight comedy benefit show at the Gotham Comedy Club in New York City on September 20th, 2010. Laugh For Sight 5 NYC and sponsors, will feature the biggest names in comedy including, legendary comedian and actor Robert Klein, The Daily Show with John Stewart Correspondent, John Oliver and more. For more info and tickets,for only $15 go to www.gothamcomedyclub.com, Interested in donating or a sponsorship opportunity?Go to www.laughforsight.com.
Here’s to “Feeding Our Eyes”!
June M. Lay M.S.
www.Junefit.com
Please seek the advise of your Doctor, for any medical concerns.
Follow me, Junefit every Sunday on Twitter for a new tool taken my book. AND my screensaver program “Focus on the Tools” is now available for PC users. It features rotating flashing tools from my program with beautifully photographed healthy salads in the background. There’s even a calendar that shows the month and date! Reinforce healthy eating habits and stay motivated to change while at your computer. Click here for more info http://www.junefit.com/serviceshp.htm
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