Tuesday 8 March 2011

Eye Care: The Values of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential to fighting free radicals in your body and repairing tissue, but did you know that it's also great for your eye health? Daily intake of vitamin C can reduce your risk of developing cataracts and AMD, helps promote healthy capillaries, and reinforces the health of your ocular blood vessels.

If you're unsure about what they are, a cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally clear lens of the eye. Depending upon its size and location, it can interfere with normal vision. Most cataracts develop in people over age 55, but they occasionally occur in infants and young children. Usually cataracts develop in both eyes, but one may be worse than the other. According to the AOA, 300 mg/day is the minimum intake to prevent cataracts. A study showed that women using vitamin C for 10 years or more experienced a 64 percent reduction in the risk of developing nuclear cataracts.

Vitamin C also plays a part in building up your defenses against Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). 500mg/day accompanied by other antioxidants and nutrients including Lutein and Zeaxanthin can reduce your risk of AMD and other chronic eye diseases. With the number of cases of AMD expected to increase over the next few years, you should begin doing your part to reduce your risk right away.

What is the first source you can think of for Vitamin C intake? Orange juice? There are varying levels of vitamin C in almost every fruit and vegetable. Citrus fruits, like oranges, are known to have high levels. However, if you are not getting enough vitamin C through your daily diet, you can add supplements.

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