Thanksgiving, a holiday whose main theme is food brings traditional and new dishes to the table. Are any of these foods good or bad for the eyes?
Eyes, like the rest of the body require good nutrition for optimal function.
The best Thanksgiving foods for the eyes include squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, asparagus, spinach, brussels sprout and cranberries. These provide beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and bioflavonoids, which all promote good eye health.
The worst Thanksgiving foods for the eyes include condiments, toppings, dressings, white or plain colored foods, fatty meats, margarine and saturated fats. These foods add fat, sugar, chemical preservatives, salt and trans-fat to the meal. Alternatives include natural flavorings, whole grains, lean meats like fresh turkey (there is the turkey!) and coconut, avocado or olive oil.
Fresh vegetables and fruits instead of canned or packaged has higher nutritional value in addition to providing less sodium and preservatives.
Happy Healthy eating on Thanksgiving and every day!