Take Care Of Your Peepers! It’s Eye Health Week
How often do you think about your eye health?
Over the past couple of years, we’ve been spending more time on our screens than ever. It’s no surprise that our eyes are feeling the strain.
In fact, according to a YouGov poll from the charity Fight for Sight, one in three people have noticed their eyesight worsening as a result of increased screen time during the pandemic.
So, what can we do to support our eye health?
Registered dietician Lola Biggs
Lola Biggs, registered dietician at natural health supplement brand Together Health explains how what we eat can support our eye health along with two of the best supplements to take and why.
Lola advises, “Eat more antioxidant, vitamin C and E-rich citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. They can help the body form and maintain connective tissue, protect against UV light and oxidative damage.
Pic: Shutterstock
“Berries like cranberries, blackberries and blueberries are great superfoods. They are jam-packed with minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that may prevent macular degeneration.
“Not just for Bugs Bunny, carrots are also great for our eyes. Rich in vitamin A and beta carotene, they play an essential role in our vision as they support the function of the cornea. You can also find this essential vitamin in sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and red peppers.
“Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish such as salmon, tuna, trout, sardines and mackerel have been shown to reduce dry eyes and keep them healthy.
Pic: Shutterstock
Fish-free Omega-3
“Not a fish fan? Then try Together Health’s vegan friendly, fish free Omega 3 supplement, £13.99 which blend sustainable algae, vitamin C, rosemary extract and sunflower oil in easy to swallow soft gels.
“Dark, leafy green veg like collards, spinach and kale are also a good source of vitamin C and E. They contain both zeaxanthin and lutein which are plant-based forms of vitamin A and can lower your risk of long-term eye damage and disease.
“It’s not only fish that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts like cashews, brazil and walnuts provide a healthy serving of vitamin E, an antioxidant which help your eyes tackle free radical damage.
“Dehydration causes eye strain and dry peepers. They need moisture so keep up with the water intake.”
Pic: Shutterstock
The power of supplements
Lola adds, “Research shows that carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin sit at the back of the eye, where they form the macular pigment and provide protection.
“Together Health’s Eye Defence with Astaxanthin, £15.99 is packed with
- carotenoids to reduce the breakdown of eye cells,
- vitamin B2 to maintain vision,
- astaxanthin extract from micro algae,
- carrot extract and lutein and
- zeaxanthin from Aztec marigold flowers.
“Just one capsule a day improves visual function, reduces glare sensitivity, eye strain and fatigue and boosts overall eye health.
Together Health supplements contain 100% pure and sustainable ingredients. There are no artificial additives, preservatives, or cheap filler ingredients. Cruelty free, vegan friendly and made in the UK, all packaging is plastic free and compostable.”
Find Together Health’s products for healthy eyes at togetherhealth.co.uk, Ocado, Morrison’s (selected stores), Holland & Barrett, Wholefoods, Planet Organic and Revital.
