Since ages you have been told to eat carrots for the health of your eyes. But in order to have healthy eyes in diabetes, it is not just about carrots anymore. Diabetes is a disease that has a capability to cause blindness, therefore, eating right is the key to maintain a healthy eyesight in diabetic people. Moreover, keep your blood sugar level under check by eating in moderation and prevent any vision defects and complications that diabetes can cause.
Diabetes Tips for Healthy Eyesight
To protect your eyes from the effects of diabetes, here are some of the healthy foods that diabetic people can enjoy eating and maintain a healthy eyesight as well.
Vitamin A for Healthy Eyes in Diabetes
Vitamin A deficiency in diabetics is linked with eye defects or even blindness. Vitamin A is found richly in egg yolk, milk, fatty fish, carrots and green leafy vegetables. You’ll be highly unlikely to be deficient in vitamin A if you eat these foods on a regular basis.
Carrots
Carrot is one of the main sources of vitamin A and is known to improve eye health- night vision in particular. Carrot is rich in beta-carotene. It helps protect the cornea from any possible damage.
Leafy Greens
Diabetes tends to weaken eyes, therefore, leafy, green and non-starchy vegetables are effective to maintain a healthy vision. Eating plenty of vegetables such as spinach, kale and asparagus tends to be a healthy diet for diabetes patients.
Fish for Fatty Acids
Fish is a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Since diabetic patients have low levels of HDL (the good cholesterol), eat fatty fishes for fatty acids at least twice a week, get loaded with omega-3 and improve your cholesterol level. Salmon, mackerel and sardines are some of the options.
Vitamin C for Diabetic Patients
Vitamin C helps regulate the blood sugar level and protects against several diabetic diseases. Add citrus into your diet and protect your eyes in diabetes.
Vitamin Rich Foods
Diabetic people have vitamin C deficiency that they can overcome by consuming citrus fruits, such as oranges, kiwi, grapefruit and cantaloupe. Citrus fruits are packed with antioxidants and are low in fat. (Eat the fruit instead of drinking fruit juice, and eat in moderation).
Eat Berries
Berries are antioxidant powerhouse and are a rich source of vitamin C. Some of them include blueberry, strawberry, raspberries and blackberries. So, cut your candy craving a grab a cup of berries to satiate your sweet tooth.
Protect Eyes in Diabetes with Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful punch in the diabetes diet. Instead of going on supplements, get natural vitamin E sources to protect your eyes from Diabetes.
Nuts
Nuts, such as walnuts, almonds and flaxseeds are some of the rich sources of vitamin E. They help reduce risks of heart disease, since diabetic patients are at a high risk of heart strokes. Munch on a handful of nuts instead of relying on vitamin E supplements.
Nuts also contain healthy fats and proteins that can curb hunger. The antioxidant properties of nuts help prevent eye damage yet improving the vision in diabetic patients. (Eat nuts in moderation since they are high in calories).
Cinnamon
To maintain a healthy eyesight, diabetic people must keep their blood sugar levels low and cinnamon is one of the best ingredients that may help doing that. To reap the benefits of cinnamon, sprinkle cinnamon on just about any food you desire or even a cup of cinnamon tea would do to lower your blood sugar levels significantly while improving your eyesight. Read More About Diabetes.