Sunshine is good for us. It is loaded with vitamin D. But what about too much sunshine? In Southern Missouri, we get long summer, cloudless days. While sunscreen can help protect the skin, that is not something that goes into the eyes. While sunglasses do help, here are healthy foods to protect your eyesight in these summer months and throughout the year.
- Seeds. With abundant fresh produce, we eat more salads in the summer than at other times. Try adding a teaspoon of sunflower seeds. Try adding flax or chia seeds for the morning smoothie of fresh fruits.
- Leafy green vegetables. Yes, it is time to fill the plate with spinach and collard greens. They are easy to grow so that you can harvest them immediately.
- Bright-colored vegetable. This includes peppers, carrots, and sweet potatoes. The bright colors contain beta-carotene, which especially helps your eyesight.
- Lean meats. These contain zinc, a necessity for eyes.
- Fish. While the days are long, you can go to the river and try your hand at fishing. Fish are natural suppliers of Omega-3.
- Water. Stay hydrated, whether indoors or outdoors. Eyes and the rest of your body need it.
- Citrus. While we may think of oranges and grapefruits as citrus, they are not in season now. However, there is nothing like a glass of cold lemonade.
Other helpful foods exist. Keeping healthy eyes does not have to be a strain on the budget. Also, fresh foods are better for your eyes and your body than vitamins. So do not shy away from the farmer’s markets. Stop by for fresh foods and feel healthier eating them.
