Just like there are foods that are good for your eyes like carrots and leafy greens, there are also foods that can be damaging to your eyes as well. Your eyes are vascular, which means they are full of tiny blood vessels that can easily be blocked by fatty deposits if you eat unhealthy foods.
There are several foods that you would typically expect to be unhealthy, but others may, in fact, surprise you. Here are five foods that you should avoid or eat seldom to ensure optimal eye health.
Crackers
This food might be a surprise to you. Crackers, however, are typically loaded with trans fats, which can clog up your eye vessels and cut off oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to decreased or distorted vision or even eye stroke.
Margarine and vegetable oils
These foods are not natural and are made using chemicals and processing. They are also high in polyunsaturated fats, which can easily oxidize in the body. Oxidized fats can then cause mutations in cells and inflammation, which can ultimately lead to clogged arteries.
Fried foods
Most fried foods in the United States are made with canola oil, which is high in polyunsaturated fats. This can lead to clogged arteries and even high blood pressure, which can be dangerous to your eyes.
Sweetened drinks
These drinks such as soda and fruit juices often contain high fructose corn syrup. This sweetener can increase the risks for high blood pressure as well as elevate triglyceride levels. Sweetened drinks, overall, can do damage to your cardiovascular system as well as your eyes.
For better eye health, avoid processed foods and drinks and switch to whole foods and fresh water instead. Making these changes to your diet will have a dramatic impact on your eye health. To give your eye health an extra boost, take your vitamins daily.