Carrots are the best known food for eye health, but there other foods that contain essential nutrients and help keep elderly eyesight sharp as seniors age. Vitamins C and E, lutein, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are some of the nutrients that contribute to eye health. These vitamins and minerals work to prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Following are seven foods Milford at-home care providers recommend for senior vision.
Antioxidants help to protect the eyes from damage from things like the sun, pollution, and cigarette smoke. Spinach is loaded with two of the best antioxidants for eye health, lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants get into the lens and retina of the eye to absorb damaging lights. Eating even just a little spinach every day will help lower the risk of age-related eye disease. Other foods in the spinach family that are helpful for eye health include collard greens, kale, broccoli, and kiwis.
Vitamin C is a very important antioxidant. Strawberries are one of the top sources of vitamin C. Encourage your senior loved one to eat at least a half a cup a day of strawberries to boost eye health.
Vitamin E works with vitamin C to keep healthy tissue strong. Vitamin E isn’t readily available in many foods, but a small handful of almonds or sunflower seeds adds a big boost of this elusive nutrient.
Crab contains zinc, which keeps the retina of the eye in top condition. Zinc is also in other foods such as oysters, turkey, eggs, and whole grains.
Omega-3 fatty acids not only keep your brain and heart healthy, but they also protect eyes by fighting inflammation. Additionally, they make the cells in the eyes work better. Try to have your loved one eat at least two servings of salmon or other cold-water fish each week. Sardines and herring two other good sources of omega-3s.
6. Sweet Potato
Deep orange and yellow root vegetables such as sweet potatoes have a high amount of beta carotene. This converts into vitamin A, helping prevent night blindness. Eating only one small sweet potato each day is sufficient for eye health.
7. Red Pepper
Red peppers are another great source of beta carotene. These are a great snack to eat throughout the day if you slice them in strips and dip them in hummus. This is filling and tasty, and certainly great for long-term eye health.
Eye health isn’t the only important aspect of senior wellbeing. Turn to Home Care Assistance for help boosting your loved one’s physical and mental wellbeing. We provide flexible live-in, hourly and respite in-home care Milford families can trust to look after their senior loved ones. In addition to helping seniors with everyday tasks, our caregivers help seniors maintain nutritious diets and exercise to promote wellness. Call (203) 955-1915 today to learn more about our services and set up a free consultation.