7 Foods that Prevent Macular Degeneration

Even though macular degeneration is a product of the passage of time, you can slow its appearance if you eat foods whose nutrients help to protect your eyes from the effects of aging.

Reviewed and approved by the nutritionist Eliana Delgado Villanueva.

Written by Carolina Betancourth

Last update: 26 May, 2022

Macular degeneration is one of the visual diseases that can reduce your quality of life. This is a retinal disease that happens when the macula deteriorates. This is a slightly yellow membrane that’s found behind your eyes. In this article, we want to share 7 foods that prevent macular degeneration and are beneficial for your eyes.

The disease is characterized by problems with central vision sharpness. This visual ability is needed for hundreds of things. Also, the people affected by it have difficulties reading, concentrating, and recognizing the faces of people far away.

The most troubling thing is that its development happens gradually. In many cases, it causes total blindness. Because of this, it’s important to adopt healthy practices. Besides taking care of your visual health, the foods that prevent macular degeneration reduce the risk of blindness.

7 Foods that Prevent Macular Degeneration

1. Eggs

Eating eggs on a daily basis is a good habit. If done on a regular basis, this habit can help keep your eye health in the best condition.

This food is known for being a source of high-quality amino acids. It has important amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin. These are two key substances for protecting your eyes from the effects of aging.

• With this goal, we recommend eating eggs with the yolk. This is the part where you’ll find most of the beneficial substances.
• As a result, you should eat it in moderation, since it also has a high amount of fats.

2. Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds have zinc and essential fatty acids. These are important in the prevention of visual diseases.

Pumpkin seeds can be added to multiple recipes. It also reduces the risk of macular degeneration and premature aging.

• Add it to your fruit smoothies and salads.
• Don’t worry about gaining weight if you eat them every day. They’re low in calories.

3. Oily fish

All of the varieties of oily fish have high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids. They also have antioxidant compounds. When these compounds are digested, they reduce inflammation and premature cellular aging.

These nutrients contribute to getting rid of excess cholesterol. At the same time, they increase your blood flow and blood pressure.

You should eat them regularly to take care of your eye health in general. You should especially eat them if you have a family history of visual problems.

• Eat at least two to three portions per week.

4. Seafood

Seafood is also part of the group of foods that prevent macular degeneration. They contain Zinc. This is one of the indispensable minerals for protecting the membranes that cover your eyes.

They also give you amino acids and essential fatty acids. These contribute to the regeneration of the tissues.

• Add them to your salad or appetizer recipes.

5. Green tea

Green tea is one of the most popular healthy drinks. This is because its properties help you lose weight and regulate your cholesterol.

It stands out because of its antioxidant compound content. These are molecules that inhibit the damage caused by free radicals and toxins.

They stimulate cellular regeneration. Also, they keep balance in your inflammation processes and reduce your risk of developing diseases like macular degeneration.

• Drink a cup of green tea at least three times per week.

6. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are vegetables with high levels of lycopene. This is an antioxidant that prevents degenerative diseases. Together with beta-keratin and minerals, it creates a protective barrier against free radicals and solar radiation.

Eating it on a regular basis protects your eyes. It also reduces the risk of suffering from visual difficulties in old age.

• Eat raw tomatoes in all of your salads and smoothies.
• Make a glass of tomato juice and drink it for breakfast at least three times per week.

7. Spinach

Spinach and other kinds of green vegetables are full of nutrients like folic acid, vitamin A, and zinc. All of these are necessary for preventing eye diseases. These nutrients slow the advance of macular degeneration. They also give you a protective barrier against oxidative stress.

Their properties are also perfect for controlling inflammation and the diseases associated with it.

• Add spinach to your diet. This could be in smoothies, salads, or soups.

Do you include all of these foods that prevent macular degeneration in your regular diet? If you don’t, make sure that you get a few portions per week. Keep in mind that besides taking care of your eyes, these are full of nutrients that promote your general well-being.