Fruit and veg helps visual range in athletes, says study

Research has shown that increasing consumption of carotenoid-rich foods could improve visual performance in athletes. 

A study published in Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews tested how carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, found in dark orange and green fruits and vegetables, increased peak contrast sensitivity - a key predictor of sports performance in eyes - by 30% by impacting the subjects’ natural macular pigment optical density. 

It said: ‘Increasing retinal and brain levels of L and Z would improve visual and cognitive performance while protecting athletes from a range of common injuries ranging from actinic eye and skin damage to brain injury.’ 

The two carotenoids have been shown to improve chromatic contrast, decrease glare disability/discomfort, and speed recovery from photostress, helping athletes’ long distance visual range, such as seeing a ball across a field.