Eye-Friendly Nutrients

Researchers proved the positive role of some nutrients in eye health and in reducing the risk factors of some eye diseases. These eye-friendly nutrients include lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc which reduce the risk of certain serious eye conditions like age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids with strong antioxidant effects and can be found in the center of the eye’s retina. Both compounds are found in leafy green vegetables, pepper, paprika, and eggs, and may have the ability to filter blue light, which may reduce the damage to the receptors in the eye’s retina.

Vitamins C and E are vitamins with antioxidant properties found in many foods and vegetables. Vitamin C is an essential dietary component because humans cannot synthesize their own. Its presence in the diet is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, a structural protein that is essential for the blood vessel walls, tendons, ligaments, and bones.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that may function as an antioxidant source for the body. This is important because the eye’s retina has a high concentration of fatty acids, and the antioxidant properties of vitamin E may help in preventing the damage caused by free radicals.

Studies have shown that zinc supplementation might reduce the progression of certain eye conditions. Zinc plays an important role in retinal health because it is needed by the enzymes responsible for scavenging oxygen radicals that can arise from the eye’s metabolism. It also plays a role in the structural proteins and cell membranes of the eye.