Nutrients and Eye Health

Nutrients for Eye Health

Seeing Clearly: Your Vision & Eye Health Palma Christi & Eye Health

Just alphabetical, and not in any order of importance...

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Essential Nutrient #1: Alpha-Lipoic Acid

2006 may as well have been the "Year of the Antioxidant." The latest research has discovered these substances, which prevent or impede cell oxidation (destruction) by free radicals, in everything from red wine to blueberries to chocolate - and now, red meat.

Red meat is the richest food source of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), which has been called the "universal," "ideal," and "ultimate" antioxidant. According to the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, "What makes ALA special as an antioxidant is its versatility - it helps deactivate an unusually wide array of cell-damaging free radicals in many bodily systems."

ALA also helps "recycle" vitamins C and E and other antioxidants, thus making them much more effective.

ALA is thought to be a powerful weapon in the fight against the oxidative stress we encounter as we age. The incidence of eye problems such as macular degeneration, cataracts and pterygium (a fleshy growth on the cornea that can impede vision) increase dramatically as we age due to free-radical damage from factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.

Essential Nutrients #2 & #3: Bilberry and Bioflavonoids

Bilberry is thought to improve night vision. A close relative of the cranberry, bilberry is high in a certain type of bioflavonoid that speeds the regeneration of rhodopsin, the purple pigment used by the eyes' rods. British air force pilots in World War II ate bilberry jam to improve their night vision during evening sorties.

Bilberry fruits, found in the forest meadows of Europe, western Asia, and the northern Rocky Mountains, contain flavonoid compounds called anthocyanidins.

Flavonoids are plant pigments that have excellent antioxidant properties; they have been shown to help prevent a number of long-term illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss and legal blindness in Americans age 65 and older, according to the eye-health organization Prevent Blindness America.

Essential Nutrient #4: Chromium

Dr. Benjamin C. Lane, O.D., from the Nutritional Optometry Institute in New Jersey, says, “Americans are getting less chromium and much more of its major antagonist, vanadium (a trace element) because of recent dietary trends to large marine fish and poultry.”

In numerous tissue testing and diet assessment studies that Dr. Lane has performed over the past twenty years he has found that “low levels of chromium are a major risk factor for increased intraocular pressure.” Chromium plays a large role in muscle contraction which is why this occurs when deficiencies are present.

And yet another negative effect of near-point activities like computer use, Dr. Lane reports that “the set of muscles we use more than ever before, are those that help focus our eyes.” He has conducted several studies that have shown that straining to focus over a period of time, does in fact increase intraocular pressure. But with proper amounts of chromium in your diet, focusing may be easier and less stressful to your eyes.

The body does not make chromium naturally, so it must be obtained through your diet. The best sources of chromium are beef, liver, eggs, chicken, oysters, wheat germ, green peppers, apples, bananas, and spinach.

Essential Nutrient #5: Copper Gluconate

Copper is an essential trace element that is required for the proper formation of collagen, a component of the connective tissues. It is found in various foods, including organ meats (especially liver), seafood, beans, nuts, and whole grains.

Copper gluconate, a readily absorbable form of copper, is one of the most important blood antioxidants, helping to keep cell membranes healthy and aiding red blood cells to produce hemoglobin.

Since the function of the blood is to carry oxygen and other nutrients, poor circulation causes decreased oxygen delivery - and subsequent damage - to tissues in different parts of the body; some of the most sensitive tissues to decreased blood flow and oxygen delivery include the brain, the heart, the kidneys, and the eyes. Over time, vision loss can occur.

Essential Nutrient #6: Eyebright

Eyebright has been used for centuries to treat eye irritation. Its Greek name, Euphrasia, comes from Euphrosyne, one of the three Graces, who was distinguished for her joy and mirth. The name is thought to have been given the plant because of its valuable properties as an eye medicine that preserved eyesight and so brought gladness into the life of the sufferer.

Eyebright is an antioxidant herb. Its antibiotic and astringent properties tighten membranes and mucus surrounding the eyes, effectively strengthening and improving circulation. Rich in vitamins A and C, eyebright also contains tannins that are beneficial for reducing inflammation.

Essential Nutrient #7: Ginkgo Biloba

The ginkgo is the oldest living tree species, growing on earth for 150-200 million years. No surprise, then, that it's one of the most well-researched herbs in the world. Studies have confirmed that ginkgo, a powerful antioxidant:

Increases blood flow to the retina.
Can slow retinal deterioration which results in an
increase of visual acuity.

Retinal damage has a number of potential causes, including diabetes and macular degeneration. Studies suggest that gingko may help preserve vision in those with macular degeneration.

Glutathione is an amino acid that protects the tissues surrounding the lens of the eyes. According to Web MD, "It also has potentially widespread health benefits because it can be found in all types of cells, including the cells of the immune system, whose job is to fight disease."

Numerous studies link glutathione with the prevention of cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease, and diabetic blindness. Foods that increase glutathione levels include sulfur-rich foods such as garlic, eggs, asparagus, and onions, and glutathione-rich foods such as watermelon, asparagus, and grapefruits.

Essential Nutrient #9: Lutein (containing Zeaxanthin)

Lutein, found in our retinas, is essential for healthy vision. Lutein and a related dietary carotenoid, zeaxanthin (see entry below), accumulate within the retina and imbue a yellow pigment that helps protect the eye. It lowers the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Lutein is found in the red, orange, and yellow pigments of fruits and vegetables; for example, tomatoes, carrots, and squash. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach also contain high amounts of lutein.

Clinical research has determined that lutein along with zeaxanthin are two naturally occurring carotenoids present in the macular segment of the retina.

The concentration of these two is so high in the macula (the retinal region responsible for fine visual activities), that the carotenoids are visible as a dark yellow spot, called the macular pigment, in normal, healthy retinas. They act like sunglass filters to protect the eye.

Research performed at Harvard Medical School has established that dietary zeaxanthin plays an essential role in protecting the retina of the eye from the damaging effects of light.

Blue-eyed individuals need more lutein and zeaxanthin because they have less of these protective pigments in their retinas. Again, dark, leafy greens are the dietary winner here, along with corn, nectarines, oranges, papaya and squash.

Essential Nutrient #10: N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

NAC is an amino acid similar in structure to cysteine, a building block of proteins. In our body, NAC helps stimulate the production of antioxidants by replenishing the body's levels of glutathione (see entry above).

NAC is thought to both stave off disease and play an important role in boosting the immune system.

Essential Nutrient #11: Quercetin

Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant, as well as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory. It is a citrus bioflavonoid, a natural substance that helps protect capillaries, prevent bruising, and intensify the effect of vitamin C in the body - in fact, bioflavonoids are essential for total vitamin C effectiveness.

In a study of adults with symptoms of macular degeneration, moderate red wine consumption (a source of quercetin) offered some protection against the development and progression of the disease. It may help prevent cataracts.

Essential Nutrient #12: Rutin

Another bioflavonoid, rutin, is found in many plants, especially the buckwheat plant, the flour of which is used to make pancakes. Other rich dietary sources of rutin include black and green tea, and citrus fruits.

Rutin is considered to be an important nutritional supplement because of its ability to strengthen capillaries. The American Journal of Ophthalmology notes that rutin has been used with success to treat retinopathy in preliminary research.

Essential Nutrient #13: Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral that our bodies need to boost immunity and fight off infections. It can also help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration by acting as an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals that can damage the eye's lens and macula; studies have identified low selenium levels in cataract sufferers.

Selenium also helps your body to absorb vitamin E. Fish, shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken, liver, and garlic are all good sources of selenium, as well as brewer's yeast and wheat germ.

Essential Nutrient #14: Vitamin A

Known as the ultimate eye vitamin, Vitamin A is absolutely essential for eye and vision health. In our bodies, vitamin A is required by the retina for its proper functions - in fact, one of the two sources of dietary vitamin A goes by the name "retinoids."

The other source is carotenoids, obtained from fruits and vegetables containing yellow, orange, and dark green pigments, including that old standby, beta-carotene. When Mom told you to eat your carrots for good vision, she wasn't kidding!

Vitamin A is necessary for the production of rhodopsin, the visual pigment used in low light levels. One of the causes of night blindness is vitamin A deficiency; supplements of that vitamin are often recommended for those with poor night vision, along with a diet emphasizing Vitamin A-rich foods, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, spinach, and cantaloupe.

Your eyes adjust to light changes
Moistens the eyes, which can enhance visual acuity
It has been shown to prevent the forming of cataracts
It has been shown to help prevent blindness from macular degeneration.

Essential Nutrient #15:Vitamin C

Vitamin C's importance as an antioxidant cannot be overstated. The Web site All About Vision even calls this eye vitamin the "Vision Superhero"!

Vitamin C has been linked to the prevention of cataracts - one study has shown that taking 300 to 600 mg supplemental vitamin C reduced cataract risk by 70 percent - the delay of macular degeneration, and eye pressure reduction in glaucoma patients.

It's an interesting fact that, while most animals produce their own vitamin C, we humans do not have that ability. In addition, we can't store this vitamin in our bodies for very long, so it needs to be constantly replenished to obtain its benefits.

Most of us think of orange juice as the quintessential source of vitamin C, but many vegetables are actually even richer sources: chili peppers, sweet peppers, kale, parsley, collard, and turnip greens are full of vitamin C, as are broccoli, Brussels sprouts, watercress, cauliflower, cabbage, and strawberries.

Essential Nutrient #16: Vitamin E

Because of its antioxidant action, vitamin E helps protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. A clinical study has showed that taking vitamin E can cut the risk of developing cataracts in half. Another study also showed that the combination of vitamins C and E had a protective effect against UV rays.

Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency include muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass, abnormal eye movements, and impaired vision.

Uveitis, an inflammation of the middle layer (uvea) of the eye, is another disorder for which the antioxidant vitamins C and E may be helpful. The uvea contains many of the blood vessels that nourish the eye; inflammation of this area can affect the cornea, the retina, the sclera, and other important parts of the eye.

The richest source of vitamin E is wheat germ. Dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, kale, and collard greens), sweet potatoes, avocado, asparagus, and yams are also good sources of vitamin E.

Essential Nutrient #17: Zinc

Our eyes actually contain the greatest concentration of zinc in our body. This essential element is required for the conversion of beta-carotene into vitamin A. Oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food, but red meat and poultry provide the majority of zinc in the American diet.

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