Good news! Your favorite Thanksgiving dishes may be good for your eyes. We won’t get your hopes up and claim the butter or sugar or cheese-heavy dishes help vision. But — , if you count pumpkin, sweet potatoes, cranberries, turkey, and green bean casserole among your Thanksgiving staples, you’re in luck!
Here are 6 vision-friendly Thanksgiving foods:
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes contain beta carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A may slow down the progression of macular degeneration. Macula is the part of the eye responsible for clear vision, and macular degeneration means the macula is starting to blur. Bonus: Vitamin A may help prevent or lessen existing dry eye symptoms.
Cranberries
Cranberries may offer antioxidant protection from eye-related diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. They’re also a solid source of Vitamin C, which promotes healthy collagen and connective tissue in the eye’s cornea.
Turkey
Turkey contains vitamin B, which may keep your eyes from getting too dry. In addition, turkey is high in zinc which prevents formation of age-related cataracts and macular degeneration by boosting your overall immune system.
Green Bean Casserole
The lutein and zeaxanthin that are common ingredients in eye health supplements occur naturally in green beans. This dynamic duo can help protect your eyes from UV exposure and even help boost overall eye health.
Pumpkin
A cup of pumpkin contains a whopping 9,875 IUs of Vitamin A, – almost the full daily recommendation. Pumpkin also has those two powerful carotenoids we keep raving about, lutein and zeaxanthin, which offer protection from UV exposure as a natural sunscreen.
Thanksgiving Spinach Souffle
Spinach is the stereotypical, doctor-recommended eye superhero, so if you can work it into a Thanksgiving dish in any capacity it’s a win. We recommend the oh-so-yummy Thanksgiving Spinach Souffle. Choose among the many recipe options online.
We enjoyed divulging these eye-healthy foods as much you’ll enjoy indulging in them this Thanksgiving. Have a wonderful holiday feast.
Our holiday hours will be: 7 AM-6 PM Wednesday, November 23rd, closed on Thanksgiving, November 24th and Friday, November 25th.
