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An
A-Z Guide to the
Best Nutrients for
Your Eyes Here's a list of the 17 leading nutrients that research has
shown to help improve daily visual acuity, enhance night vision, protect against
glaucoma, macular degeneration, and much more.
At the bottom of this
page you will find a special offer for our Ocu-Plus Formula which contains all
17 of these essential nutrients. Alpha-Lipoic Acid
2006
may well be the "Year of the Antioxidant." The latest research has discovered
these substances, which prevent or impede cell oxidation (destruction) by free
radicals, in everything from red wine to blueberries to chocolate - and now, red
meat.
Red meat is the richest food source of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), which
has been called the "universal," "ideal," and "ultimate" antioxidant. According
to the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, "What makes ALA special as an antioxidant
is its versatility - it helps deactivate an unusually wide array of cell-damaging
free radicals in many bodily systems." ALA also helps "recycle" vitamins C and
E and other antioxidants, thus making them much more effective.
ALA is thought
to be a powerful weapon in the fight against the oxidative stress we encounter
as we age. The incidence of eye problems such as macular degeneration, cataracts
and pterygium (a fleshy growth on the cornea that can impede vision) increase
dramatically as we age due to free-radical damage from factors such as smoking,
poor nutrition, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Bilberry
Bilberry
is thought to improve night vision. A close relative of the cranberry, bilberry
is high in a certain type of bioflavonoid that speeds the regeneration of rhodopsin,
the purple pigment used by the eyes' rods. British air force pilots in World War
II ate bilberry jam to improve their night vision during evening sorties.
Bilberry
fruits, found in the forest meadows of Europe, western Asia, and the northern
Rocky Mountains, contain flavonoid compounds called anthocyanidins. Flavonoids
are plant pigments that have excellent antioxidant properties; they have been
shown to help prevent a number of long-term illnesses such as heart disease, cancer,
and macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss and legal blindness
in Americans age 65 and older, according to the eye-health organization Prevent
Blindness America. Best Nutrients for
Your Eyes
Copper Gluconate
Copper is an essential
trace element that is required for the proper formation of collagen, a component
of the connective tissues. It is found in various foods, including organ meats
(especially liver), seafood, beans, nuts, and whole grains. Copper gluconate,
a readily absorbable form of copper, is one of the most important blood antioxidants,
helping to keep cell membranes healthy and aiding red blood cells to produce hemoglobin.
Since the function of the blood is to carry oxygen and other nutrients, poor circulation
causes decreased oxygen delivery - and subsequent damage - to tissues in different
parts of the body; some of the most sensitive tissues to decreased blood flow
and oxygen delivery include the brain, the heart, the kidneys, and the eyes. Over
time, vision loss can occur.
Eyebright
Eyebright
has been used for centuries to treat eye irritation. Its Greek name, Euphrasia,
comes from Euphrosyne, one of the three Graces, who was distinguished for her
joy and mirth. The name is thought to have been given the plant because of its
valuable properties as an eye medicine that preserved eyesight and so brought
gladness into the life of the sufferer.
Eyebright is an antioxidant herb. Its
antibiotic and astringent properties tighten membranes and mucus surrounding the
eyes, effectively strengthening and improving circulation. Rich in vitamins A
and C, eyebright also contains tannins that are beneficial for reducing inflammation.
Ginkgo
Biloba
The ginkgo is the oldest living tree species, growing on earth
for 150-200 million years. No surprise, then, that it's one of the most well-researched
herbs in the world. Studies have confirmed that ginkgo, a powerful antioxidant,
increases blood flow to the retina and can slow retinal deterioration, which results
in an increase of visual acuity. Retinal damage has a number of potential causes,
including diabetes and macular degeneration. Studies suggest that gingko may help
preserve vision in those with macular degeneration.
Glutathione
Glutathione
is an amino acid that protects the tissues surrounding the lens of the eyes. According
to Web MD, "It also has potentially widespread health benefits because it can
be found in all types of cells, including the cells of the immune system, whose
job is to fight disease." Numerous studies link glutathione with the prevention
of cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease, and diabetic blindness. Foods that increase
glutathione levels include sulfur-rich foods such as garlic, eggs, asparagus,
and onions, and glutathione-rich foods such as watermelon, asparagus, and grapefruits. Best Nutrients for
Your Eyes
Lutein
Lutein, found
in our retinas, is essential for healthy vision. Lutein and a related dietary
carotenoid, zeaxanthin (see entry below), accumulate within the retina and imbue
a yellow pigment that helps protect the eye. It lowers the risk of cataracts and
macular degeneration (low lutein intake is implicated as a risk factor in age-related
macular degeneration), and may also help to prevent or slow down atherosclerosis.
Lutein is found in the red, orange, and yellow pigments of fruits and vegetables;
for example, tomatoes, carrots, and squash. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach
also contain high amounts of lutein.
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
NAC is an amino
acid similar in structure to cysteine, a building block of proteins. In our body,
NAC helps stimulate the production of antioxidants by replenishing the body's
levels of glutathione (see entry above). NAC is thought to both stave off disease
and play an important role in boosting the immune system.
Quercetin
Quercetin
is a powerful antioxidant, as well as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory.
It is a citrus bioflavonoid, a natural substance that helps protect capillaries,
prevent bruising, and intensify the effect of vitamin C in the body - in fact,
bioflavonoids are essential for total vitamin C effectiveness.
In a study of
adults with symptoms of macular degeneration, moderate red wine consumption (a
source of quercetin) offered some protection against the development and progression
of the disease. Dark berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and cherries,
are also high in flavonoids. Animal studies suggest that quercetin inhibits the
activity of compounds that contribute to the development of cataracts.
Rutin
Another
bioflavonoid, rutin, is found in many plants, especially the buckwheat plant,
the flour of which is used to make pancakes. Other rich dietary sources of rutin
include black and green tea, and citrus fruits. Rutin is considered to be an important
nutritional supplement because of its ability to strengthen capillaries. The American
Journal of Ophthalmology notes that rutin has been used with success to treat
retinopathy in preliminary research.
Selenium
Selenium
is a trace mineral that our bodies need to boost immunity and fight off infections.
It can also help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration by acting as an antioxidant
that neutralizes free radicals that can damage the eye's lens and macula; studies
have identified low selenium levels in cataract sufferers. Selenium also helps
your body to absorb vitamin E. Fish, shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken,
liver, and garlic are all good sources of selenium, as well as brewer's yeast
and wheat germ.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is absolutely essential
for eye and vision health. In our bodies, vitamin A is required by the retina
for its proper functions - in fact, one of the two sources of dietary vitamin
A goes by the name "retinoids." The other source is carotenoids, obtained from
fruits and vegetables containing yellow, orange, and dark green pigments, including
that old standby, beta-carotene. When Mom told you to eat your carrots for good
vision, she wasn't kidding!
Vitamin A is necessary for the production of rhodopsin,
the visual pigment used in low light levels. One of the causes of night blindness
is vitamin A deficiency; supplements of that vitamin are often recommended for
those with poor night vision, along with a diet emphasizing Vitamin A-rich foods,
such as sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, spinach, and cantaloupe. Vitamin A helps
your eyes adjust to light changes; it moistens the eyes, which can enhance visual
acuity; it has been shown to prevent the forming of cataracts; and it has been
shown to help prevent blindness from macular degeneration.
Vitamin
C
Vitamin C's importance as an antioxidant cannot be overstated. The
Web site All About Vision even calls this vitamin the "Vision Superhero"!
Vitamin
C has been linked to the prevention of cataracts - one study has shown that taking
300 to 600 mg supplemental vitamin C reduced cataract risk by 70 percent - the
delay of macular degeneration, and eye pressure reduction in glaucoma patients.
It's
an interesting fact that, while most animals produce their own vitamin C, we humans
do not have that ability. In addition, we can't store this vitamin in our bodies
for very long, so it needs to be constantly replenished to obtain its benefits.
Most of us think of orange juice as the quintessential source of vitamin C, but
many vegetables are actually even richer sources: chili peppers, sweet peppers,
kale, parsley, collard, and turnip greens are full of vitamin C, as are broccoli,
Brussels sprouts, watercress, cauliflower, cabbage, and strawberries.
Vitamin
E
Because of its antioxidant action, vitamin E helps protect against
cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. A clinical study has showed that
taking vitamin E can cut the risk of developing cataracts in half. Another study
also showed that the combination of vitamins C and E had a protective effect against
UV rays. Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency include muscle weakness, loss of muscle
mass, abnormal eye movements, and impaired vision.
Uveitis, an inflammation
of the middle layer (uvea) of the eye, is another disorder for which the antioxidant
vitamins C and E may be helpful. The uvea contains many of the blood vessels that
nourish the eye; inflammation of this area can affect the cornea, the retina,
the sclera, and other important parts of the eye.
The richest source of vitamin
E is wheat germ. Dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, kale, and collard
greens), sweet potatoes, avocado, asparagus, and yams are also good sources of
vitamin E.
Zeaxanthin
Clinical research has determined
that lutein (see entry above) and zeaxanthin are two naturally occurring carotenoids
present in the macular segment of the retina. The concentration of these two is
so high in the macula (the retinal region responsible for fine visual activities),
that the carotenoids are visible as a dark yellow spot, called the macular pigment,
in normal, healthy retinas. They act like sunglass filters to protect the eye.
Research
performed at Harvard Medical School has established that dietary zeaxanthin plays
an essential role in protecting the retina of the eye from the damaging effects
of light. Epidemiologic studies have shown that people with higher lutein/zeaxanthin
levels have reduced risk for advanced stages of macular degeneration.
Blue-eyed
individuals need more lutein and zeaxanthin because they have less of these protective
pigments in their retinas. Again, dark, leafy greens are the dietary winner here,
along with corn, nectarines, oranges, papaya and squash.
Zinc
Our
eyes actually contain the greatest concentration of zinc in our body. This essential
element is required for the conversion of beta-carotene into vitamin A. Oysters
contain more zinc per serving than any other food, but red meat and poultry provide
the majority of zinc in the American diet.
While
eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is ultimately the best way to obtain the
nutrients essential to eye health, in today's busy world, we don't always have
time to shop and eat right. Plus, vegetarians and vegans may have a hard time
receiving all the nutrition they need from plants alone.
So we here at Rebuild
Your Vision have taken the solution to this problem into our own hands - it's
called the Rebuild Your Vision Ocu-Plus Formula, and I think you will agree that
it is everything you've been looking for in the health of your eyes.
The
Ocu-Plus Formula is a proprietary blend of 17 of the highest grade nutrients
that research has shown are essential in improving the clarity of your eyesight
and protecting your visual system. Designed specifically to prevent vision
loss and improve your eyesight, the Ocu-Plus Formula can enhance the power of
the Rebuild Your Vision Program by providing you with the nutrients that are essential
to healthy and clear vision.
The Rebuild Your Vision Ocu-Plus Formula contains
every single one of the nutrients listed in this article so you won't need to
take a handful of pills each morning and evening to get your daily dose!
Click
here to view all of the Ocu-Plus ingredients.
Best Nutrients for
Your Eyes
Here's a sampling of what the Rebuild Your Vision Ocu-Plus
Formula can do for you:
Improve the distance you can see an object
Help
to prevent cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma
Enhance night vision
Protect
delicate eye tissues
Increase blood flow and circulation within the eye
Remove
toxins from the retina
Nourish the parts of your eye necessary for clear vision
And
hundreds of more benefits to the overall health and well-being of your body!
And
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