Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Vitamins For The Eyes

Minerals are inorganic compounds (Carbon free) that help the body metabolize vitamins in the body. They assist in the production of necessary nutrients and help the body balance key ingredients in health such as vitamins and enzymes. Minerals also affect chain reactions in the body elsewhere as well. They (minerals) are electrically charged and help the movement of chemicals between the cells of the body.

The chemicals are released and absorbed to a large degree by the minerals present in the cellular environment. An imbalance to this ebb and flow can have detrimental consequences to health and function of the eye. This is important in sight in part because this flow of information (electricity) is necessary for every element in sight, from physical movement to interpreting the information that the eyes receive and transmit to the brain. There are some minerals and compounds believed to be crucial to the health of eyes:

  • Zinc found in red meat, wheat, oysters
  • Selenium found in seafood, yeast and nuts
  • Lutein found in spinach and collard greens. Reduces dry eyes,
  • Bioflavonoids found in citrus fruits, bilberry, and strawberries and in other foods high in Vitamin C. Bilberry is supposed to improve night vision,
  • Carotenoids pigment in red, orange and yellow fruits and plants also in leafy green vegetables. Converts substances in these sources into vitamin A, Implicated in the prevention of macular degeneration and cataracts.
There are best vitamins for eye health and other nutrients appear to be critical for the development, maintenance and preservation of good eye health. Evidence suggests that foods rich in these minerals and vitamins are a significant source of nutrition, but that some peoples diet may be insufficient to meet all of the bodies needs. In this case supplementing the diet may be helpful.

It is important to note that many of the claims made about the benefits or certain vitamins and minerals haven’t been supported conclusively in research. Careful consideration and guidance may be wise when trying to determine the quantities appropriate for a given individual as some factors; overall health, smoking etc. may affect the appropriate dosages. If health concerns are a factor, consulting a dietitian or physician may be prudent.