When we were kids, many of us heard that munching on carrots could improve our night vision. But, a nutrition expert has highlighted a different food that surpasses carrots in enhancing eyesight.
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A—crucial for maintaining good vision and combating eye issues like age-related macular degeneration. Nonetheless, according to a recent report from Public Health Nutritionist Dr. Emma Derbyshire, in collaboration with MacuShield, other foods might offer better support for our eyes.
As covered by the Daily Mail, the report reveals that 74% of individuals in the UK aren’t adhering to a diet beneficial for eye health. Additionally, about 50% of Brits still consider carrots the prime choice for vision support.
Dr. Derbyshire mentioned: “Incorporating plenty of eye-friendly foods into one’s diet is advantageous, especially for those with a familial tendency towards poor vision or those who are often in the sun, as UV exposure can harm the eyes.”
“It’s also essential to pay attention to eye health if you frequently use digital devices for work or leisure. Excessive screen time can lead to dry, tired, and strained eyes.”
Instead of focusing on carrots, she suggests consuming fish twice a week, including one serving of oily fish. These are abundant in Omega 3-DHA, a vital fatty acid that supports robust vision.
Dr Derbyshire explained: “Oily fish are packed with omega 3 fatty acids which help to reinforce eye health, including docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, which is really important for normal vision.
“The cell membranes of the retina contain particularly high levels of DHA, it’s vital for lubrication and keeping the eyes moist. If you’re low in it, a sign could be that you’re suffering from dry eyes, or even dry skin.”
Oily fish includes mackerel, sardines, herring, salmon and trout. However, according to Dr Derbyshire, canned tuna does not count but a tuna steak does.
She continued: “Tuna is considered an oily fish when it’s fresh, but when it’s tanned or tinned, it may not retain the same level of oil, so it’s not then regarded as an oily fish.”
