We’re often told when we’re younger that carrots help improve our eyesight and allow us to see in the dark. However, a nutritionist has now named a certain food that is even more effective in boosting vision.
Carrots are full of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A. This is important for good vision and also helps eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration. But, according to a new report from Public Health Nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire and MacuShield, there are other foods that are better for our eyesight.
As reported by the Daily Mail, the report found that 74% of people in the UK are not eating an eye-friendly diet. Meanwhile, around 50% of Brits believe carrots are the best option to help eyesight.
Dr Derbyshire said: “Everyone can benefit from eating a diet rich in eye-boosting foods, and in particular, people with a family history of poor eye health, or if you are exposed to a lot of sunlight as UV rays can damage the eyes.
“You also need to be mindful of your eyes if you spend a long time looking at screens for work or just while you’re relaxing. Screens can make your eyes can become dry, tired and fatigued.”
Rather than carrots, she recommends eating two portions of fish every week. One of these should be oily as this means they’re packed with Omega 3-DHA, the essential fatty acid essential for strong vision.
Dr Derbyshire explained: “Oily fish are packed with omega 3 fatty acids which help to reinforce eye health, including docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, which is really important for normal vision.
“The cell membranes of the retina contain particularly high levels of DHA, it’s vital for lubrication and keeping the eyes moist. If you’re low in it, a sign could be that you’re suffering from dry eyes, or even dry skin.”
Oily fish includes mackerel, sardines, herring, salmon and trout. However, according to Dr Derbyshire, canned tuna does not count but a tuna steak does.
She continued: “Tuna is considered an oily fish when it’s fresh, but when it’s tanned or tinned, it may not retain the same level of oil, so it’s not then regarded as an oily fish.”