Thanksgiving Foods and Your Eyesight

There is nothing like the smell of spices and herbs cooking in the kitchen during the holiday season. The Thanksgiving table is certainly a symbol of plenty as we enjoy a wonderful meal with family and friends celebrating all that we have to be thankful for. We don’t typically think healthy when we imagine the big November feast, especially when it comes to eyesight and vision health, but it is! Fall foods offer a wide variety of nutritious and delicious options that are beneficial to your health, so as you make your plate be sure to include foods that serve a dual purpose. Here are some of our favorites and what they can do for you!

TURKEY

Turkey is a traditional meat when it comes to the holidays; roasted golden and stuffed with vegetables and herbs it’s hard to imagine it is healthy. However, turkey is filled with zinc and vitamin B which offer many benefits for your vision. Zinc helps to reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (a disease that deteriorates your central vision) and its associated vision loss, and can also significantly alter the development and progression of cataracts.

GREEN BEANS AND LEAFY GREENS

Even in casserole form, greens are loaded with vitamins and nutrients that protect your retinas. They can help prevent light-induced damage to your eyes caused by harmful UV rays and blue light (like that of your electronics) and helps prevent cataracts.

CARROTS, SWEET POTATOES, AND PUMPKINS

These orange vegetables are great sources of Vitamin A, an essential nutrient that helps protect your vision. Vitamin A helps improve overall retina health and reduces the risk of macular degeneration greatly. These nourishing vegetables can really help strengthen and protect your eyesight so be sure to put some on your plate whether roasted or candied!

CRANBERRIES, CHERRIES, AND ALL RED BERRIES

Red berries and fruits are packed with antioxidants. Whether you include these delicious sweet treats into your pies, side dishes, atop a salad or main dishes these fruits can protect your eyes from conditions as well as help with vision loss or changes in vision. Adding cranberry sauce, a slice of cherry pie, or some berries as an appetizer can boost your eyesight.

This Thanksgiving whether you spend it with friends and family around the table, on the couch watching the football game, relaxing, or prepping for Black Friday, be sure you take part in that beneficial Thanksgiving feast. A healthy diet rich in the right vitamins and minerals can help keep your eyes healthy, but remember moderation is key for your overall health. Diet isn’t enough for your eyesight, so boost your vision this holiday season with a comprehensive eye exam. Contact us at Vision Corner today to schedule your appointment.