When counting your blessings, one should never overlook their eyesight. Did you know you can help keep your eyes healthy while enjoying your favorite holiday dishes? We like to say: this Thanksgiving you can feast FOR your eyes!
Starting with the salad course, leafy greens are full of antioxidants proven to lower the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts. Be sure to visit the ever-popular crudité tray too, as carrots contain a high amount of beta-carotene which helps the retina and other parts of the eye function properly. Beta-carotene also helps slow the loss of peripheral vision.
In most families, sweet potatoes are a staple side dish on Turkey Day. These hearty tubers are not only delicious but are also full of nutrients, including Vitamin A, potassium and Vitamin C. Vitamin A helps stop the process of macular degeneration, while Vitamin C also helps reduce your risk of developing cataracts.
Jewel-hued cranberries are practically Thanksgiving royalty and these nutrition-packed fruits help protect your eyes from many eye health issues. The benefits of vitamins A and C in cranberries include preventing cataracts and conditions which can result in vision damage and loss.
The centerpiece for every table is the golden roasted turkey. This holiday bird is loaded with zinc. Zinc can significantly reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration and it also has a significant effect on the progression of cataracts.
Somehow after all that, we can still find room for pumpkin pie. Squash and that means pumpkins, contain a wealth of antioxidants as well as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and beta-carotene that support eye health and prevent degenerative damage.
Here is a wonderful and healthful recipe for Pumpkin and Butternut Squash Puree with Nutmeg and Cinnamon.
Enjoying these classic Thanksgiving foods isn’t a difficult task and now you can see why we recommend feasting away on them. They all promote healthy eyes and will help protect your precious vision. Now that is certainly a reason to give thanks.