A healthy diet for cataracts prevention

Cataracts have become one of the most significant causes of blindness, so that a large number of studies and researches are focusing on the way to prevent cataracts or slow down their progression. It is well-known that cataracts will gradually damage patients’ eyesight and eventually cause total vision loss. In this article, a healthy diet is strongly recommended.

Healthy diet is more convincing than herbs for cataract prevention

Herbs have been proved to be effective in decreasing the risk of cataracts in mice, but related researches in human body are rare. It is necessary to be cautious about taking herbs as a medicinal remedy. Many more studies are now underway about the influence of a healthy diet on cataracts prevention. Antioxidants and certain vitamins are considered possibly effective to decrease cataracts and slow their advancement.

Oxidation is the major cause of cataracts

Exposure to pollution, chemicals, smoking, radiation exposure and unhealthy foods can cause free radicals, which in turn lead to oxidation in human body including the eyes. Free radicals in the body have unpaired electrons so that they steal an electron from another molecule. This unpaired molecule in turn tries to get an electron from another molecule. In this way, many healthy cells of organs and other tissues will be damaged. This process is named oxidation, which damages proteins and fats in the eye’s lens and causes cataracts.

Antioxidants are the direct solution for cataract prevention

Be clear of the principle of oxidation, nutrient experts recommend antioxidants including some vitamins and phytochemicals to reduce oxidation formation so that cataracts can be avoided. Studies have showed that antioxidants such as vitamin C, A and E and lutein have potential effect in preventing cataracts. Antioxidants can be found in foods such as fruits and colorful or dark green vegetables. These vegetables also contain folic acid and calcium, which may also reduce the risk of cataracts.

What is a healthy diet containing necessary antioxidants?

In this consideration, experts recommend a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fish is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which may be also effective. An exactly healthy diet should contain nine servings of fruits and vegetables, three serving of 100% whole grains every day and two servings of fish every week. And the daily calories consumption should not exceed the basic need to maintain a healthy weight.

What is an unhealthy diet?

A healthy diet should avoid unhealthy foods such as fried foods, processed foods, sugary foods, and foods rich in sodium. High consumption of salt and sugar may increase the risk of having cataracts. Extra soft drinks, desserts, greasy snack foods and fast foods should also be reduced or stopped. Just enjoy delicious fruits, vegetables and fresh fish.

Dietary supplements are an alternative

People still have different opinions about the sources of those nutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals. In the market, dietary supplements are available in many forms. While some experts insist on a healthy diet, others argue that dietary supplements are helpful addition to even a healthy diet. In recent years, these nutritional supplements that include helpful substances have been wide accepted by the public. Compared with the effort to maintaining a daily diet carefully, taking dietary supplements is more convenient.