Did your mother used to tell you to eat your carrots because they would help you see in the dark?
Well, long story short is that carrots contain lots of Vitamin C and beta carotene which are crucial for eye health.
Vitamin C has so many benefits. This article focuses on how it helps our vision.
Vitamin C has been shown to reduce the risk of developing cataracts when taken with other essential nutrients. It has also been shown to reduce the progression of age-related macular degeneration and visual acuity loss – two of the commonest eye conditions as we age. It also helps to keep the lens of the eye supple.
A study from King’s College London showed that participants who had a higher intake of vitamin C were associated with a 33 percent risk reduction of cataract progression, and had clearer lenses after 10 years than those who consumed less vitamin C. More than 300,000 cataract operations are carried out each year in the U.K
Another study showed that people with a high risk of age-related macular degeneration who took 500mg of Vitamin C per day (along with beta carotene, Vitamin E and zinc) slowed the progression by 25%.
Interestingly, human beings, guinea pigs and fruit bats cannot make their own Vitamin C – who knew?? So, a supplement is essential along with lots of vegetables in your diet. I recommend taking a morning and evening dose. Next week, we will look at ways to strengthen your eyes and improve your vision.
Wishing you all health and happiness,
Dr Maria
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20829643/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9026574/
https://www.enhancedvision.com/low-vision-info/the-role-of-free-radicals-and-antioxidants-in-macular-degeneration.
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/archive/news/kings/newsrecords/2016/03%20march/increased-vitamin-c-in-the-diet-could-help-protect-against-cataracts