Discover How Vitamin C Can Curb Cataracts
By now, you know that loading up your plate with lots of fruits and veggies is key to living a healthy lifestyle. After all, these superfoods are loaded with vitamin C, a key nutrient that can help strengthen the immune system, improve cardiovascular health, and even help skin look younger and smoother.
Now a recent study from King’s College London has revealed yet another reason to celebrate vitamin C; the British study has shown that the vitamin could help ward off cataracts, the leading cause of blindness in the world.
Cataracts occur when the eye’s lens clouds over; this clouding process often occurs as a result of aging. Cataracts are also likely to occur in people of certain ethnic backgrounds, as well as smokers. In addition to causing blindness, cataracts can make it difficult for people to enjoy an ideal quality of life. Cataracts can weaken vision, making it difficult for people to drive at night, read, or just enjoy their normal activities.
During the study, researchers from King’s College London studied the diets of over 1,000 pairs of female twins. Researchers found that women who ate more foods rich in vitamin C were far less likely to have cataracts than twins who did not consume as much vitamin C. The women who consumed more of the vitamin were also more likely to have clear, healthy lenses.
The study suggests that eating more vitamin C could be key to minimizing the risk of developing cataracts. Foods that are rich in vitamin C include the following:
- Dark leafy greens
- Broccoli
- Berries
- Oranges and citrus fruits
- Cauliflower
- Bell peppers
- Peas
- Papayas
- Kiwifruit
In addition to eating these foods, ensure that you continue to make regular appointments with your ophthalmologist. To learn more about reducing your risks for developing cataracts, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths at NewView Eye Center in Reston, Virginia. NewView Eye Center serves the greater Washington, D.C. metro area. (703) 834-9777