Our eyes radiate the beauty inside of us, and take in what beauty is around us. They say your eyes are the windows to your soul, but what does that mean, precisely? By looking into someone’s eyes, can you truly tell who they are inside? Iridologists believe this to be true; if your eyes are not healthy, they are telling you something else is going on physically. This is the concept behind iridology. Iridologists believe they can use charts to distinguish between healthy systems and organs in the body and those that are overactive, inflamed, or distressed. This information demonstrates a patient's susceptibility towards certain illnesses, reflects past medical problems, or predicts later health problems. Well, I don’t know about all that, but I do know taking care of your eyes is super important.
We all know wearing sunglasses and staring at your computer screen all day are not good, but eating the proper nutritional foods can really give your eyes a helping hand. These are just a few of the foods you should be eating, not only for your eyes but your overall health.
Spinach is number one on the list for macular degeneration. Carrots, avocados, kale, broccoli, eggs, tomatoes, sunflower seeds, and garlic are also great. A glass of fresh vegetable juice including greens and carrots will work wonders to preserve eye health and keep them looking clear and bright at the same time.
CARROTS
Carrots and other orange-coloured fruits and vegetables promote eye health and protect vision. Beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A that gives these foods their orange hue, helps the retina and other parts of the eye to function smoothly.
LEAFY GREENS
They're packed with lutein and zeaxanthin—antioxidants that, studies show, lower the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts.
EGGS
The yolk is a prime source of lutein and zeaxanthin—plus zinc, which also helps reduce your macular degeneration risk.
CITRUS AND BERRIES
These fruits are powerhouses of vitamin C, which has been shown to reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration, and cataracts.
ALMONDS
They're filled with vitamin E, which slows macular degeneration, research shows. One handful (an ounce) provides about half of your daily dose of E.
FATTY FISH
Tuna, salmon, mackerel, anchovies, and trout are rich in DHA, a fatty acid found in your retina—low levels of which have been linked to dry eye syndrome.
Sunlight works wonders for your amazing eyes and believe it or not, some have even cured their eyes of many ailments using sunlight therapy along with proper diet and rest! I truthfully have never heard of sun therapy for eyes (will be doing some research). Eye exercises such as looking up, down, across and around are good and of course, sleep and adequate rest are vital to restoring the eyes each day!
Of course, there are big no-noes for eyes too! Like smoking (pretty much bad for your whole body), trans & saturated fats, processed foods such as white flour products & sugars, preservatives, flavourings, and chemicals in beauty products.
As with anything in life, we carry on blindly wondering our way through the mine fields polluting our body with processed foods, and abusing ourselves. But, it is never too late to change, starting today! Let’s make a change, at least have a carrot, leafy green salad with hard boiled eggs for lunch, maybe two or three times a week. Sounds good to me.
Author: Kathryn Hartwell
Reference: health.com, chalkboard.com
