The Beneficial Nutrients

Foods for thought…and for the eyes!!! In a previous entry, we discussed a few nutrients and antioxidants to benefit your eye health such as Vitamin C, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin, but there are many, many more. Everyone has heard about omega-3 fatty acids, but what do they do for your eyes and where can we find them in our diet? Omega-3’s help fight inflammation and in turn, decrease our risk for developing age related macular degeneration, as well as dry eye syndrome. Try incorporating two servings of cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna, and herring into your weekly diet. And for you non-fish lovers, you can supplement with over-the-counter fish oil tablets, but please remember, too much of a good thing can be dangerous, so consult with your primary care doctor before adding any additional supplements into your diet. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends a fish oil supplement with 180 milligrams of EPA and 120 milligrams of DHA for adults who wish to maintain good general health. The next time you see salmon or tuna on your dinner plate, ask for seconds!!! Your eyes will thank you later.