Top 5 antioxidants that support eye health

Although eye health is often neglected when it comes to holistic health, it can be understood how critical it is as we get older... Especially with the development of technology, we may not realize how much we tire our eyes as we spend more time on our phones, computers, in short, in front of the screen. However, for a long and healthy life, it is imperative to pay attention to our eyes. Antioxidants, which are effective in preventing many diseases and healing cells, also play an active role in eye health.

When we talk about antioxidants for eye health, we often come across 'crocin' found in the 'miraculous spice saffron', but many antioxidants from 'lutein' to 'astaxanthin' improve eyesight and prevent eye disorders. In this article, I have included antioxidants that support eye health.

Lutein and zeaxanthin

The most important antioxidants that support eye health are lutein and zeaxanthin, known as macular pigments. These two antioxidants act as natural sunglasses, blocking harmful rays and protecting against blue light. Moreover, intake of lutein and zeaxanthin can reduce the risk of eye diseases such as macular degeneration, also known as yellow spot disease, and cataracts.

What foods contain lutein and zeaxanthin? Lutein and zeaxanthin are often found together in foods. Spinach, chard, kale, parsley, pistachios, pistachios and green peas are among the best sources. Egg yolks, sweet corn and red grapes are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants known and provides unique protection for eye health. Especially when combined with other antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, it acts more potently to improve eye health.

Protecting the eyes from oxidative stress, astaxanthin also boosts blood flow, helping the blood to re-oxygenate the tissues of the retina and eyeball and to flush toxins more efficiently. On the other hand, it protects the retina from light-induced damage and supports the prevention and alleviation of symptoms of age-related eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts.

Which foods contain astaxanthin? It can be taken as a supplement or found naturally in foods such as salmon, red trout, shrimp, crab, lobster or fish roe.

Anthocyanin

Anthocyanin, another antioxidant with endless benefits for eye health, improves vision in the dark or in low light. It helps relieve eye fatigue caused by screens such as computers and televisions. It reduces free radicals in eye cells and helps prevent damage to the lens of the eye. On the other hand, it reduces the risk of yellow spot disease and cataracts and prolongs the healthy life of the eye. It improves visual functions in glaucoma patients and lowers MDA levels, a symptom of oxidative stress.

Which foods contain anthocyanin? Anthocyanin is naturally found in red fruits such as blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, pomegranates, damson plums and vegetables such as purple cabbage and beets.

Crocin

Although the name crocin sounds foreign, it is actually an antioxidant found in the spice saffron, which many of us know closely. Saffron, which is called the miraculous spice, is consumed as a remedy for many diseases, as well as being very beneficial for eye health, the reason is the crocin in its content.

Crocin is a natural component of the saffron flower and plays a role in healing various eye diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, especially glaucoma. On the other hand, it protects the retina and improves vision with its anti-inflammatory and blood flow enhancing effects.