It is common knowledge that eating correctly is good for the body as a whole, but did you realize that eating poorly can really impair your eyesight? What you eat, how you cook it, and how much you eat can all affect your risk of developing eye diseases.
According to Medical News Today, the following foods, when consumed in large quantities, can cause damage to the eyes.
Items that are high in saturated and trans fats
Trans fat is an example of a potentially dangerous type of fat. Hydrogen is added to liquid oils during production, solidifying the oils and yielding the final product. Trans fats are found in many processed foods. These fats are used to enhance the flavor of food and prolong its shelf life. While both forms of fat increase levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol, HDL “good” cholesterol is dramatically reduced. These fats have been linked to cardiovascular disease and arterial blockages.
Not only do these fats increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, but they also prevent the body from absorbing the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids it needs to function properly. Protecting the eyes from dryness and macular degeneration, these fatty acids play an important role. Your child’s eyes will benefit from these fatty acids as they grow.
Second, foods that are quite salty.
There is some evidence that consuming too much salt might raise blood pressure. High blood pressure reduces blood flow to the eyes, which can cause a number of visual problems and even damage the eyes. Under-eye bags, for instance, may develop due to an excessively salty diet. Consuming food with a high salt content increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Too much salt in your diet might also cause your eyes to swell. Sauces, salad dressings, pickles, cheeses, fast soups, canned vegetables, and even table salt can have a high sodium content.
Starchy and sugary foods
Consuming foods that are heavy in sugar or starch may increase your risk of age-related macular degeneration. Age-related macular degeneration affects the retina in the eye and can cause vision loss. Both glaucoma and cataracts can be brought on by a diet high in sugar and other carbs. In moderation, the sugar in sweets is easily absorbed by our bodies. When we consume sugar in large quantities, our bodies respond by releasing large quantities of insulin. Insulin levels in the body should be maintained at a healthy range. Any of these conditions can develop as a result of vascular injury and inflammation.
Caffeine
There is some evidence linking caffeine consumption with exfoliation glaucoma. Exfoliation glaucoma has been linked to drinking three or more cups of coffee or tea per day, according to research published in the journal Investigative Opthalmology and Visual Science. The loss of vision is a serious consequence of this form of glaucoma. We don’t think you should go cold turkey on caffeine, but moderation is key. Soda, coffee, and tea are the most prevalent caffeinated drinks and foods consumed by humans.
