Nowadays not many of us believe that eating carrots will help us to see in the dark, and we are much better informed about what foods do to us and how to choose a healthy, balanced diet. January is traditionally diet time, shedding the extra pounds that the mince pies and egg nog piled on over Christmas. So while you’re planning what size jeans to buy for February and how much cabbage soup you need to make, think about adding these super foods to your diet – for skinny thighs and super sight!
Green vegetables – broccoli, kale & spinach – Grandma was right, greens are really good for you! Lutein and Zeathanthin are carotenoids found in these veg, and we need these to protect our maculas. These nutrients absorb potentially harmful blue light and neutralise free radicals, reducing our risk of Macula Degeneration and cataract formation. So go green this spring!
Red fruits & Veg – watermelon, tomatoes, and red peppers – these brightly coloured beauties protect us from the damaging effects of UV light. As well as the well documented problems of skin cancer, UV can harm the retina and trigger cataract formation. (They also contain Lycopene, which is good for the Prostate boys!)
Lycopene Content in Foods
Anti-oxidant foods – carrots get a mention at last! Blueberries, all green veg as above, coriander leaves – these goodies all contain Vitamin C, plus anti-oxidants. As mentioned above it’s neutralising those naughty free- radicals that’s the issue here, and the good news is that as well as protecting your sight they fight other ageing problems in the body. You’ll be protecting your macula, lowering your risk of cancer, and making your skin look better too!
