Are Fruits Good for Your Eyes?
It’s almost time to grab your reusable grocery bags and head to the farmer’s market. The warm season is right around the corner. What does that mean? Plenty of locally grown, fresh fruits at your fingertips.
The good news? Fruits are good for your eyes--even great for your eyes. Let’s examine some of the top fruits for eye health to help with your grocery shopping list this month.
Which fruits are good for your eyes?
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), a diet rich in vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant in produce), along with other eye-healthy vitamins and minerals, may lower your chances of getting specific eye diseases. So, it makes sense why your optometrist and doctor both recommend eating plenty of fresh produce.
Here are five fruits that are good for your eyes:
#1: Grapefruits
A half of a medium-sized grapefruit contains 40 mg of vitamin C. What does a cup of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice give you? Approximately 94 mg! Don’t underestimate the power of vitamin C, especially where grapefruits are concerned.
Some research even suggests that increased levels of vitamin C may lower your likelihood of getting cortical and nuclear cataracts. Lutein and zeaxanthin can also support your eyes in the fight against cataracts.
#2: Oranges
If you need a fast dose of vitamin C, you can’t get better than oranges (or freshly squeezed orange juice). Why? The elevated amount of vitamin C in oranges supports your blood vessels, which can aid in your battle against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
Looking for a tasty dinner idea that features oranges? Try this seared tuna with orange, avocado, and cilantro salsa recipe by the AOA. It’s packed with tons of essential nutrients, including folate, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
#3: Papayas
One half of a papaya gives you 94 mg of vitamin C, making it one of the top sources of this antioxidant. Enjoy a papaya as a snack, along with some almonds or pecans. Like fruit, nuts are good for your eyes, and they’re a significant source of vitamin E.
If you’re allergic to nuts, enjoy some sunflower seeds instead. Vitamin E might be hard to get from food, but it’s not impossible. And when you consume a diet rich in vitamins C and E, you’re supporting your eyes in more ways than one.
#4: Strawberries
Do you desire the best eye health? Vitamins are essential, including those that you get from strawberries. This type of fruit has a sweet taste and plenty of nutrients. Whether you enjoy strawberries by themselves or with your favorite foods, consuming them is a great way to boost your vitamin C intake.
Our suggestion? Have some creamy herb hummus with sliced red bell peppers, broccoli flowerets, and whole-wheat pita wedges with some strawberries on the side for high doses of folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc. The recipe is easier than it sounds, and it’s delicious.
Summary: What are the top fruits for eye health?
Fruits are great for your eyes and are tasty, so why not add them to your shopping cart? Knowing which fruit juice is good for your eyes can also help you make better choices for your family’s eye health.
Some top fruits for eye health are grapefruits, oranges, papayas, and strawberries. What makes these fruits so good for your eyes? They’re full of vitamin C, which can help you avoid or decelerate the symptoms of AMD and cataracts.
With so many delicious options for eye-healthy foods, caring for your eyes has never been easier.
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