Worried about the effects of gluttony this Christmas? Don’t be. Health experts at Optical Express have broken down the components of a traditional Christmas meal and have unearthed some surprising benefits for your vision.
Turkey, the mainstay of any Christmas meal, is packed full of protein that maintains healthy retinas, keeping vision sharp. Vitamins such as calcium and zinc aid melanin production, which protects your eyes and helps you see in the dark.
Perhaps the most divisive of all festive food, Brussel sprouts, are one of the most nutritious vegetables on offer. They contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which work in tandem to sustain retina health and eye tissue that enables the identification of light and colour. Sprouts also support the macula in blocking blue light from screens, making it a must before settling down for a drowsy Christmas film.
True to the old adage, carrots do actually help you see in the dark as they contain antioxidants that improve macula function. They also contain beta-carotene, which can help stop the development of cataracts.
And finally, everyone’s favourite condiment, cranberry sauce, is packed full of vitamin A and C and a high level of antioxidants that promote healthy connective tissue and collagen, which are two components of the cornea.
Stephen Hannan, clinical services director at Optical Express, said: ‘A balanced diet is great for maintaining eye health and our Christmas dinner plates are packed with vitamins, minerals and nutrients vital for maintaining good vision.
‘Maintaining a good diet will also reduce the effects of age-related macular degeneration. So, a healthy serving of our favourite festive meal is actually a feast for our eyes as well as our stomachs.’
