Nutrients Essential to Natural Vision Improvement

Transportation has made it possible to have fresh produce year round available at your local grocery store. Also available at your local grocery store are prepared meals with all sorts of chemicals and preservatives. In fact during the rush to through the day often we eat foods that are lower in nutrients than our bodies need. Some of the nutrients essential for vision are lacking in the junk foods often eaten on the run. Over a dozen nutrients essential to improvement and protection of vision, along with natural sources, are listed below.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a versatile antioxidant. ALA helps the body recycle vitamins C and E and other antioxidants. ALA is thought to fight against damage due to the natural aging process. The most surprising thing about ALA is the source; ALA is found in red-meat.

Selenium is a mineral that helps prevent cataracts and macular degeneration. Selenium helps absorb vitamin E. Selenium is found in fish, shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken, liver, and garlic.

Copper Gluconate is a trace element required for proper formation of collagen. Copper gluconate keeps cell membranes healthy and aids red blood cells to produce hemoglobin. Copper Gluconate can be found in seafood, organ meats, beans, nuts, and whole grains.

Omega-3 fatty acids protect eyes against retinopathy. New evidence suggests the possibility that omega-3 fatty acids act as protective factors in diseases that affect retinal blood vessels. Omega-3 is found in fish.

Chromium plays a large role in muscle contraction. Chromium deficiencies have been linked to increased intraocular pressure. Chromium makes focusing easier and less stressful on the eyes. Chromium is found in beef, liver, eggs, chicken, oysters, wheat germ, green peppers, apples, bananas, and spinach.

Ginko-Biloba is an herb that has strong antioxidant powers. Ginko Biloba significantly reduces the tiny clots diabetics often form in the retina increasing blood flow through capillaries. This increased blood flow improves vision. Ginko Biloba increases visual acuity by slowing retinal deterioration, and helps preserve vision in those with macular degeneration.

Eyebright, used for centuries to treat eye irritation, is an antioxidant herb that is rich in vitamins A and C and contains tannins that reduce inflammation. Eyebright strengthens and improves circulation by tightening membranes surrounding the eyes.

Bilberry, Rutin and Quercetin are Bioflavonoids that strengthen capillaries. Bilberry, a relative to the cranberry, improves night vision. Rutin has been used to treat retinopathy. Quercetin is an antioxidant and natural anti-inflammatory. Quercetin inhibits development of cataracts. Bioflavonoids are essential for total vitamin C effectiveness. Flavonoids are plant pigments that have excellent antioxidant properties. Rutin is found in black and green tea and citrus fruits. Quercetin is found in blueberries, blackberries, and cherries.

Lutein is found in our retinas. Lutein lowers the risks of cataracts and macular degeneration. Lutein and Zeaxanthin act like sunglasses to protect the eye. Zeaxanthin protects the retina from damaging effects of light. People with blue eyes need more lutein and zeaxanthin due to the lower pigments in their retinas. Dark leafy greens and red, orange, and yellow pigmented fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, squash, nectarines, oranges, and spinach contain lutein and zeaxanthin.

Vitamins A, C, and E are essential to vision. Vitamin A protects night vision, helps adjust eyes to changes in light, moistens eyes, prevents cataracts and prevents macular degeneration. Foods rich in vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, mango, and spinach. Vitamin C prevents cataracts, delays macular degeneration, and reduces eye pressure in glaucoma patients. Foods rich in vitamin c include citrus fruits, cabbage, broccoli, peppers, leafy greens, and strawberries. Vitamin E protects against cataracts and macular degeneration. Vitamin E is found in leafy greens, sweet potatoes, yams, and avocados.

Glutathione is an antioxidant needed to protect tissues surrounding the lens, without glutathione cells may be damaged or killed. Glutathione can be synthesized from the amino acids L-cysteine, L-glutamate and glycine. Studies have linked glutathione with prevention of cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease, and diabetic blindness. Foods that increase glutathione levels include garlic, asparagus, onions, watermelon and grapefruit.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) helps stimulate the production of antioxidants by replenishing the body's levels of glutathione. NAC is also thought to boost the immune system. Oral supplements of NAC and alpha lipoic acid help increase tissue levels of glutathione in the eye.

Most of the nutrients needed for natural vision improvement are found in fruits and vegetables. Leafy greens, bright orange, red, and yellow vegetables, fresh fruits and berries should be eaten daily.

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