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You can’t prevent every health problem that comes your way, and that holds true when it comes to your eyes. However, you can lead a healthy lifestyle that lessens the risk for some of the common eye problems that many of us will encounter, especially later in life. Right now the weather is probably cold and dreary, and you’re cooking warm meals to stave off the cold. So why not take a crack at some of these warm recipes that also happen to be beneficial to your eye health?
Turkey Chili
Yes, we know what you’re thinking—chili doesn’t sound very healthy—but try this recipe and you might just be surprised. This gluten free, dairy free recipe includes white beans, sweet onions, tomato, and pumpkin, and of course, turkey. Turkey is rich in zinc, which helps enzymes that promote eye health, and it also contains niacin, which protects against cataracts.
Dill and Spinach Frittata
Not only is this frittata good for your eyes, it’s also a quick recipe that can be easily put together. And while it’s great when it’s warm, you can also enjoy it at room temperature or straight out of the fridge the next day. The recipe is packed with vitamins C and E, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, which may decrease your risk for macular degeneration.
Carrot and Fennel Soup
There’s nothing like some warm, savory soup to dispel the winter blues, and this vegan carrot and fennel soup is perfect on a frosty day, as well as being great for your eyes. That’s because the beta-carotene in carrots helps protect the cells that make up your eyes. So unless you plan on deep-frying them, adding carrots to any recipe or meal is a good idea when it comes to eye health.
Sweet Potato Burritos
Another food that’s loaded with beta-carotene is the sweet potato. So why not give this sweet potato and chickpea burrito recipe a shot? All told, from prep to finish it should only take you about 20 minutes, and you’ll get to enjoy a healthy, filling burrito hot off the stove. And just like with the frittata, you can let these cool and pack them for lunch on the go. They’re perfect for keeping your energy up during a long day.
Eggplant and Tomato Pasta
Pasta is one of the best comfort foods for waiting out a long winter’s day, and this recipe has both tomatoes and eggplant—two great foods for eye health. Eggplant contains include lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol, and vitamin C, and it’s also a great source of folic acid and potassium. And tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, which research shows helps prevent damage to the retina from light. So not only will you be giving your eye health a boost, but you’ll get to enjoy this wonderful Greek dish!
Eating well can help lessen your risk for some eye ailments, but it’s not going to prevent everything. If you’re having trouble with your vision and are interested in LASIK or cataract surgery, or just want to find out what your options are, then give OCLI a call today.
