Protect Your Eyes with Vitamin C

Most of us have heard that carrots, or beta-carotene are god for the eyesight; but that’s not the only thing.  With a number of factors relative to declining health and accelerating ageing, along with all the free radicals floating in the air, our diets largely consisting of highly processed, nutrient deficient foods and sedentary lifestyle, eye diseases are a growing concern.  In the western world alone, there are 25 million people over the age of 55 who are affected by blindness resulting in AMD (age-related macular degeneration). While none of us likes the aging process, eye issues in particular are not something to take lightly. 

The thought of macular degeneration, cataracts or other eye issues are frightening and in addition to the things already mentioned, smoking and diabetes adds to the risk.  But perhaps what you didn’t know is that there are a few simple steps that can be taken to greatly decrease your chances of these major eye issues. 

According to a study conducted by the National Eye Institute, many age-related eye diseases are the result of nutritional deficiency.  In their study, participants took beta-carotene, vitamin E, zinc and 500 mg of vitamin C per day; which resulted in a risk decrease for contracting age-related macular degeneration by as much as twenty-five percent.

Furthermore, with increased intake of vitamin C, your body is better able to absorb iron and other vital nutrients essential to healthy cells, teeth, gums, cartilage and capillaries offering an overall health benefit.

Though there are varying supplement forms of vitamin C, otherwise known as ascorbic acid, it is also derived from foods.  While citrus juice is one of the more commonly recognized forms of vitamin C, it can also be found in spinach, tomatoes, apples, bananas, and peaches. 

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have a daily-recommended allowance of 90mg per day, the studies performed by the National Eye Institute show that a dosage of 500 mg per day better supplies the body with defenses against eye diseases.

If you question if you are getting a proper daily dosage of vitamin C through foods, then consider adding a supplement to your regimen. 

This is for informational purposes only and it is your responsibility to do your own research before making decisions.  If you have health questions, it is recommended to consult a health care professional.