My Momma Always Told Me…

September is Healthy Fruits and Veggies Month! Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. People who have a diet rich in fruits and veggies can decrease their risk for heart disease and some types of cancer. You can also lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, which is the leading cause of blindness in adults. Healthy eating helps prevent obesity and high blood pressure. Along with these benefits, your eyes gain from a healthy diet. Antioxidants help keep your eyes in tact and ward off common eye diseases. They inhibit damage to the eyes from the formation of free radicals in the retina and lens of the eye. Lutein, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, zeaxanthin, and vitamins C and E are all important nutrients for eye health. Studies have shown they can help prevent and slow down macular degeneration and possibly cataracts. Foods that are rich in Lutein and zeaxanthin are kale, grapes, corn, spinach, squash, and kiwi fruits. Other foods you should enjoy are salmon, tuna, eggs, nuts, beans, and citrus fruits and juices. Eating healthy is all about making good choices and being aware of your body’s needs. So there you have it, guess mom was right again!