7 worst foods for eye health

7 worst foods for eye health

Nutritional choices can play a significant role in maintaining the health of organs, including the eyes. Further, due to the arrangement of vessels behind the eyes, issues with heart health can affect the eyes. So, choosing foods that are not heart-friendly and have low nutritional value can restrict the vessels from transporting vital nutrients and oxygen to the eyes. Such eating habits can degrade eye function, which may lead to problems with vision.

Foods to avoid
French fries
One often enjoys fried items at a fast food joint. But such food can be extremely unhealthy. Many batches of french fries are made using the same oil and reheated multiple times before being served. While this is cost-effective for the fast food joint, the fries undergo molecular changes, which increases the harmful fat content. These fats are known to affect the health of organs, including the heart and eyes. Further, fried foods contain free radicals that cause oxidative stress to the body and subsequently affect eye health.

Margarine
Margarine is often deemed the healthier version of butter as it is made using vegetable oils. However, margarine is rich in trans fats, which are known to increase bad cholesterol levels in the body. Elevated cholesterol levels lead to blockage in the blood vessels, resulting in a poor supply of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the eyes. Regular intake of such fatty foods may also increase the risk of eye diseases. So, one could switch to oils derived from avocados, coconuts, and olives.

Processed meats
Foods like sausages, hot dogs, and bacon are common additions to meals in households across the country. Despite how convenient they are to make, processed meats contain a high amount of fats. Eating such foods regularly may result in the buildup of plaque in macular vessels, obstructing the flow of blood to the eyes and increasing the risk of diseases like macular degeneration. Processed meats also contain high amounts of sodium that may lead to high blood pressure (hypertension). Moreover, these foods may also affect other vital regions in the body, such as the heart. So, it is imperative for one to avoid or at least limit processed food to maintain eye health.

Frozen foods
One can find a variety of frozen food like pizzas and pasta on store shelves today. These meals come in handy when one has to make meals quickly and cannot spend more than a few minutes on the preparation. However, regular intake of frozen foods might be a cause for concern. Such products contain preservatives, salts, and sugars that could worsen eye health. Further, eating a lot of processed food could increase the risk of diabetes, which contributes to vision problems.

Store-bought condiments
One may add condiments, dressing, and sauces to food prepared at home to make it tastier and more visually appealing. However, store-bought dressings and sauces contain artificial sweeteners and salts to enhance flavor and preservatives that help extend their shelf life. Such products are also rich in unhealthy fats that could lead to macular degeneration when eaten excessively. To curb this risk, one could make their own salad dressing and sauces using fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients.

Coffee
Coffee contains caffeine, which gives an energy boost to work longer hours. However, some sources link the ingredient with multiple health complications, including the ones that may develop in the eyes. Regularly choosing caffeinated beverages might increase the pressure on the eyes. Those dealing with glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OHT) may worsen their symptoms with regular caffeine intake. Further, a sudden and excessive rise in pressure may lead to temporary or permanent loss of vision. So, one should avoid or limit the intake of coffee and other caffeinated beverages and opt for herbal teas and decaf drinks.

Sweetened beverages
Sweetened beverages, like soda and sports and energy drinks, contain at least 7 to 10 tablespoons of sugar per can. While the beverages could provide an energy boost, the excessive amount of sugar in them can put one at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Both conditions can contribute to vision-related issues. Further, too much sugar may also increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration. So, one should avoid sugary beverages and foods as much as possible.

Popular Articles

01

6 foods to avoid for people with hearing difficulties

The auditory sense is a crucial aspect of perceiving the world around us. However, approximately 15% of adults in the country report some hearing problems. With advanced technology, several solutions, including hearing aids and assistive devices, have been devised to help individuals with hearing impairment. In addition, following a healthy, curated meal plan can help them control symptoms of hearing impairment. Here are some foods to avoid and general tips for those experiencing hearing difficulties. Foods to avoid for people with hearing difficulties Monosodium glutamate An integral part of several packaged and ready-to-eat foods, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an excitatory neurotransmitter that can cause severe neurological impairment, worsening the symptoms of hearing conditions like tinnitus. Thus, checking the ingredients in ready-to-eat foods and avoiding those with MSG is advisable. Caffeinated beverages It has been found that excessive intake of caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea can elevate one’s blood pressure and aggravate the symptoms of hearing conditions. However, since caffeine also comprises several antioxidants, it may benefit the body in limited quantities. The key here is to limit one’s intake of tea and coffee. Processed foods Processed foods are high in saturated and trans fats, which can lead to plaque generation in the arteries and problems with blood circulation.
Read More
02

7 easy teeth whitening remedies to try

A smile is one of the first things most people notice when they see someone for the first time. Once people put on a smile, they feel completely dressed; this is why people try to keep their teeth from staining and look for whitening techniques. However, not everyone has the time to frequently visit the dentist and get their teeth whitened. So, one can use these remedies to make their teeth look whiter: Brush with baking soda While this is an important ingredient in cakes and cookies, baking soda is also a vital ingredient in toothpaste because of its natural teeth whitening properties. This basic chemical’s mild abrasive effects help scrub teeth stains and whiten the enamel. This teeth whitening remedy is backed by simple chemistry—baking soda creates an alkaline environment in the mouth, preventing the growth of bacteria and removing stains left by acidic food. This easy teeth whitening remedy can be adopted by mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water and using this paste to brush one’s teeth. This should be used three times a week and not every day because it may have a corrosive effect on the enamel.   Use coconut oil Coconut oil is one of the easiest teeth whitening remedies.
Read More
03

6 Safest SUVs to Consider Buying in 2023

Are you looking for a safe, reliable SUV for your family? Look no further. Some of the best SUVs for 2023 come with advanced technology, superior driver assistance features, and safety equipment. They can protect the driver and occupants in a collision and lower the impact of the crash. From luxury to budget-friendly options, there is something for everyone. So here are the safest SUVs you can find this year: Dodge Hornet The 2023 Dodge Hornet is a compact crossover SUV that prioritizes safety and reliability. The Hornet has advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The interior of the Hornet has premium materials and plenty of space for passengers and cargo. You also get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Hornet is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 268-hp engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The SUV strikes a balance between power and efficiency and delivers good performance. You can look up “Local Dodge dealers near me” and find dealerships that sell the Hornet. You will be able to find great deals on new and used models at a local dealership.
Read More