Some foods that cause cataracts

It is quite important to know the foods that cause cataracts since their lack can lead to cataracts and even loss of vision.

Plant-based foods such as squash and other foods that are highly rich in antioxidants, vitamins C, E, provitamin A make available the nutrients the eyes need so as to function effectively.

First, let’s understand the meaning of cataracts and some factors that aggravate cataracts.

What is a Cataract?

The opaqueness of the lens is a cataract. Years back, it was thought that aging process was one of the consequences of cataracts and at that time, little or nothing could be done in order to prevent it.

Although, the exact lead cause of cataracts is still not known but professionals in this field believe that certain proteins and enzymes in the natural eye’s lens are being destroyed by oxidative stress thereby bringing the lens cloudy.

Today, there’s a rather link or closeness between diet and cataracts formation.

As it is, frequent and adequate use or consumption of foods containing antioxidants, provitamin A and antioxidant vitamins C and E like fruits, vegetables and also seeds are capable of preventing the process of cataracts formation in old age.

The use of certain medications, diabetes, x-ray radiation and exposure to ultraviolet rays are some of the leading factors that favor the formation of cataracts.

The only treatment for this disease is surgical removal of the eye lens that seem cloudy and must be replaced with an IOL (intraocular lens) during the surgical process.

List of foods that cause cataracts

Now, I’m going to list out some foods that cause cataracts, their purpose and effects. I will also make recommendations based on the foods that will help prevent the formation of cataracts. As it is, the following are some of the foods that cause cataracts.

1. Butter
2. Foods rich in total fat
3. Dairy products (foods)
4. Salt as a nutrient

Generally, foods that are not rich in antioxidant vitamins, carotenoids, vitamin A, C and E are the foods that may aggravate the formation of cataracts because they (these foods) lack the substances the eyes need to carry out their complex functions.

Butter

A study conducted at the University of Milan in Italy shows that butter is one of the foods that are capable of raising the risk of cataracts, especially when it is consumed regularly.

Foods rich in total fat

According to the same study, the more fat in the diet, then the higher the risk of cataracts.

Therefore, it is recommended to dwell more on the foods that are highly rich in vitamins A, C and E as any food that is high in total fat is considered as one of the foods that cause cataracts.

Dairy Products

These two monosaccharides; galactose and glucose bring about the formation of milk sugar and lactose.

As a result, there are individuals that find it difficult to metabolize galactose for genetic reasons.

In essence, studies find that this predisposes to opaqueness of the lens and consequently, poor metabolism of galactose tends to aggravate cataracts.

Excessive consumption or use of dairy products especially by individuals who find it disturbing to assimilate them well such as it occurs in older folks, can also be considered a factor in the formation of cataracts.

For this, we say that dairy products are among the foods that cause cataracts.

Salt

Again, salt is not left out, especially when in excess. The excessive use of salt in foods has been linked to the formation and appearance of cataracts.

Any food that contains excess salt is seen as one of the foods that cause cataracts.

Preventing Cataracts

The following are some of the foods recommended in order to fight or prevent cataracts. These foods are the plant-based foods rich in vitamins A, C and E. They are:

1. Fish
2. Seeds and Nuts
3. Fruits and vegetables
4. Whole grains

Fish

We get omega-3 fatty acid from fish and it is said to help reduce the risk of this disease development and its progression.

 

The good sources of omega-3 fatty acids remain halibut, shrimp, walnut, flaxseed oil, canola oil, salmon, cod, tuna and spinach.

Eat fish regularly to help nourish and protect your eye vision. Therefore, fish is not one of the foods that cause cataracts.

Seeds and nuts

To get adequate vitamin E, consume a lot of nuts and seed as they are the richest sources of vitamin E which is an antioxidant that protects the eye cells membranes from the damages likely caused by free radicals.

The following are some of the best choices for your eye health.

1. Hazelnut
2. Sunflower seeds
3. Walnuts
4. Almonds

Fruits and vegetables

For good eye health, we all require or need about 4 to 9 servings of vegetables and fruits.

This is because fruits and vegetables have the best and highest and total antioxidant effectiveness of all foods.

Therefore, dwell more on:

Red strawberries

Orange tangerines

Purple eggplant

Indigo blueberries

Green kale

They are full of provitamin A, vitamins C, E as well as zeaxanthin and lutein.

Whole grains

According to Arizona Eye Surgery Center, eat whole grain to fight cataracts and boosts your eye health. Good sources include: oatmeal, popcorn, quinoa, sorghum, buckwheat, bulgar, amaranth, brown rice etc.

Fighting Cataracts

I have listed some foods or nutrients considered to be some foods that cause cataracts. Here is a list of nutrients that you need to increase their intake.

They are:

1. Antioxidants
2. Vitamin C
3. Vitamin E

Antioxidants: We need to increase the intake of foods that are rich in antioxidant vitamins because a diet low in antioxidant (i.e. beta-carotene and vitamins C and E) fosters the effectiveness of free radicals and also the formation of cataracts.

Vitamin C:   The antioxidant property of vitamin C helps prevent the development or formation of cataracts.

It is advised to dwell more on the foods that provide adequate vitamin C. Good sources are: kiwi, currant, acerola, guava etc.

Vitamin E:    This is another antioxidant that acts well in preventing cataracts. To get more of this vitamin, consume more of corn oils and wheat germ because they are the best sources of vitamin E.

Squash:   To prevent cataracts, enjoy squash because it contains both beta-carotene and potassium which work to prevent the development of cataracts.

 

 

Lack of vitamin A is manifest by a loss of night vision, dry and irritated eyes according to encyclopedia of foods and their healing power.

However, one hundred (100 g) of carrots provide enough beta-carotene for the body system.

Other good sources of carotenoids are spinach, broccoli etc are needed to reduce the risk of macular degeneration of the retina.

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