Visiting the eye doctor can often feel like returning to elementary school. Reading a list of letters, numbers, and simple sentences isn’t a task that most of us typically find challenging. But at the eye doctor, it can become a somewhat intimidating experience, as we wonder just what our answers have to say about our eye health.
Often, it feels that we have no control over our performance. After all, there is no amount of studying that will help us pass these tests. However, this doesn’t mean we are totally powerless. While it may be true that our eyesight naturally weakens as we age, a good eye doctor will tell you that there are things you can do to slow, prevent, and even reverse this process.
Just like every other part of our bodies, our eyes are fed, regenerated, and built up by the nutrients we consume. That’s why it’s important to get the right combination of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
If you follow a plant-based diet, you’re well on your way. After all, nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts are already key staples to your regimen. However, even those with the healthiest of eating plans could use a little help to support their eye health. No matter how hard you try, it’s difficult to consume enough of all the right foods to get the amount of vitamins recommended for optimum eye health. What’s more, common cooking and growing processes in modern society often leech critical nutrients from our foods.
There are many ways to supplement your vitamin and mineral intake (including turning your medicine cabinet into an entire pharmacy of supplement pills), but one of the most delicious — and simple — is a daily Superfood Protein Smoothie.
The nutritional makeup provides several great reasons to pull out your blender, whip up a smoothie, and drink to long-term eye health:
Help seed and sacha inchi protein give your smoothie a boost of heart-healthy fats, such as omega 3s. Omega 3 fatty acids also help protect against dry eyes, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
Vitamin A is likely the most well known “eye vitamin.” Its many benefits include preventing night blindness and dry eyes. Plus, it helps to promote overall eye health and function. Your Superfood Protein Smoothie packs 128 IUs of this critical vitamin.
Without supplementation, it’s difficult to know if your body is really getting all the amino acids it needs. That’s why the Superfood Protein Smoothie contains maca, a superfood packed with every essential amino acid, including cysteine. Cysteine promotes retina health by increasing the production of critical antioxidants. It also supports macular health and prevents damage to the optic nerve.
These plant-based pigments are found in foods like kale and broccoli, both of which help formulate the super greens complex in your smoothie. They’ll help promote long-term eye health by slowing the development of macular degeneration and cataracts.
One of the superfoods contained in your smoothie, spirulina provides the body with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help prevent cellular damage. Spirulina also contains high amounts of carotene, which is the same nutrient that makes carrots great for your eyes. Along with omega 3s, lutein, and zeaxanthin, spirulina will also help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.
Charles Weller
Author