How to Eat Seasonally For Better Vision

We all know how important a healthy diet is for our health. Eating right is crucial for getting all the nutrients we need to keep our body and mind functioning effectively. In fact, eating a balanced diet is among the best things we can do to prevent serious health problems like obesity, hypertension, and even some cancers.

Some of us might even appreciate the benefits of eating a seasonal diet – both for our own health and the health of the planet. After all, agriculture is the industry with the biggest impact on the environment. Eating seasonal, local produce can help to lessen this strain.

But how can combining these two values actually benefit our eyes? In this article, we’re taking a look at the top tips for eating seasonally for better vision.

What is Seasonal Eating?

Before we get into how different foods can maintain our eye health, let’s better understand the concept of seasonal eating. In simple terms, this means eating produce based on its seasonality – that is, what time of year it grows. We all know that certain fruits and vegetables grow in the Spring while others flourish in Autumn, Summer, or Winter. In the UK, for example:

In the winter, vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, and parsnips are produced in abundance.

In spring, we start to see produce such as asparagus, beetroot, lettuce, and broccoli will emerge.

In summer, more ‘Mediterranean’ vegetables like courgettes, tomatoes, and broad beans become available, as well as summer berries like strawberries, blackberries and blueberries.

In autumn, pumpkin patches are numerous, and sweetcorn, peppers, apples, and celery are thriving.

Yet, with the mass import of produce from sunnier (or cooler) climes, many of us don’t bat an eyelid when enjoying strawberries in the dead of winter.

But while this might offer convenience, this importation and exportation of unseasonal produce can have significant implications for the environment.

Enter seasonal eating. Enjoying seasonal produce – and even some meats – can help to keep us nourished and healthy, while minimising our carbon footprint. But what does any of this have to do with our eyes?

Your Diet and Your Eyes

Your diet and choosing to eat the right foods can prevent long term eye problems later on in life. Seasonal vegetables can not only be incorporated into fun and inventive recipes but can also be healthy, delicious and good for your vision!

So, let’s take a look at what foods in general are good for our eyes. Then we’ll take a closer look at how eating seasonally can help you incorporate these foods into your diet.

Antioxidants

For starters, foods containing antioxidants can be extremely beneficial for your vision. Antioxidants can be found in abundance in many vegetables. For example, lutein and zeaxanthin are critical antioxidants for healthy vision. These are found in high levels in leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, as well as lettuce, corn, and bell peppers!

Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that might just be the most beneficial nutrient in helping to prevent the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Vegetables high in vitamin E include spinach, red peppers, butternut squash and the greens of root vegetables like turnip and beetroot.

Vitamin C is another vital antioxidant that plays a significant role in the health of the eye itself, protesting against UV light damage. Some research indicates that supplementing your diet with Vitamin C may even help to prevent the onset of cataracts.

Fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C include oranges, peppers, strawberries, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

Getting the Right Nutrients on a Seasonal Diet

As you can see from the above, vital nutrients for our eye health can be found in a wide range of fruits and vegetables. In fact, produce that are high in antioxidants and other healthy nutrients can be found all year round.

So, why not consider ditching the courgettes in favour of spinach and carrots when autumn comes around? Or waiting until summer to enjoy the best local strawberries?

February is kale is in season – another leafy green rich in nutrients that are good for your eyes like lutein and zeaxanthin, along with everyone’s vision favourite, carrots, and a less well-known vision aid, cauliflower.

If you are looking to both, up your protein and help out your optics; consider incorporating fatty fish into dishes with your seasonal vegetables. These include fish such as salmon and mackerel. Research has shown that Omega-3 fatty acids keep your retinas healthy.

No matter the time of year, you’re sure to be able to find seasonal, locally-grown produce that can benefit your vision. And eating seasonally isn’t just good for you. It is a great way to support your local economy, and you go green by avoiding the purchase of imported goods!

If you’d like the full list of in-season foods, this calendar is a great resource for you to check what veggies to look for every month.

If you’d like to learn more about keeping your eyes healthy or improving your vision, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators – we’re always happy to help. To enquire about Laser Eye Surgery at the London Vision Clinic, Book a Consultation today.