One other potent antioxidant, vitamin C is discovered all through the physique, however concentrations within the aqueous humor — the clear liquid in entrance of the attention’s lens — are as much as 70 occasions higher than in plasma. This factors to vitamin C’s significance in defending the eyes from free-radical injury.
The lens is a singular construction in our our bodies, says Anshel. “It requires oxygen to develop however has no blood provide as a result of you possibly can’t see by means of blood. The lens must be clear so mild can attain the retina.”
As we age, the lens continues rising — and because it grows, it thickens. The thicker the lens, the much less versatile it turns into, which is why we lose the flexibility to deal with issues up shut, he notes.
And with out a blood provide, the lens should get all its diet by means of the aqueous humor.
Scientists suspect that the vitamin C within the humor shields lenses from UV injury, which in flip helps stop cataracts, the main reason for blindness worldwide.
Reaching the advisable 200 mg of vitamin C every day is straightforward for those who eat no less than 5 servings of greens and fruits, particularly citrus, tomatoes, bell peppers, and kiwi. Because the physique can not soak up greater than 250 mg of vitamin C a day, something greater than that might be flushed out within the urine.
(Vitamin C is an important nutrient that helps almost each facet of well being. Be taught extra at “What You Must Know About Vitamin C.”
→ Finest sources: Citrus, tomatoes, bell peppers, and kiwi
→ Most essential impact: Protects the eyes from the solar
Consuming for Eye Well being
Meals performs an enormous position in sustaining our imaginative and prescient — and carrots are only the start. Uncover the very best vitamins for eye well being at “How you can Eat for Eye Well being,” from which this text was excerpted.
