Vision is the greatest gift we have. We can preserve vision by doing something as simple as eating the right foods.

Let's look at a few 'vision improving' nutrients that you can incorporate into your daily diet to maintain your eye health.

Omega-3 fats: These are well known for the benefits they have on the heart. Studies show they are also beneficial for eye health. Get your omega 3 fats from: Almonds, seeds (flax, sunflower, pumpkin seeds), oily fish and cod live oil capsules.

Zinc: This is a mineral highly useful for eye health. Studies have shown that consumption of zinc with certain anti-oxidants nutrients reduced the loss of vision by 19% in patients with advanced AMD. Get your zinc from: Beans, nuts, tofu, seafood, eggs, red meat, poultry and wheat-germ [AAO].

Anti-oxidants for your eyes: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta carotene. Get your vitamin C from: Citrus fruits, berries, melons, broccoli, tomatoes, cabbage. Get your vitamin E from: vegetable oils, almonds, pistachio nuts, peanuts, wheat germ, whole grains and mango.

Get your beta carotene from: Carrots, spinach and other green leafy vegetables, melons and apricots.

Carotenoids: These are compounds that give the yellow-orange coloring to foods. They are rich sources of anti-oxidants that help maintain eye health.

The 2 main carotenoids for your eye are:  

Lutein and Zeaxanthin:

Get lutein from: Green leafy vegetables, red peppers, and guava.

Get zeaxanthin from: Oranges, tangerines, broccoli, bell peppers and eggs.

Eat right to maintain good eye health. Vision is a 'gift' which should not be taken for granted.