1. Carrots
Carrots are a food rich in sugars, vitamins, and minerals, especially vitamin C and carotenoids, which are precursors of vitamin A. When consumed, they are converted into vitamin A, which benefits the retina and improves vision. In addition to their nutritional value, carrots contain iron and vitamin A, which help prevent and treat anemia. They enhance growth in children and are particularly effective in cases of mild diarrhea by promoting bacterial absorption. For women, carrots also promote rosy and smooth skin. Those who drive or work late under artificial light also need to eat carrots, as vitamin A benefits the retina, improving vision.
Although carrots are delicious and nutritious, they should not be consumed excessively as the body may not fully metabolize beta-carotene. This substance can accumulate in the body, causing yellowing of the eyes, skin, loss of appetite (which many people mistakenly think is liver disease). Simply stopping carrot consumption will alleviate these symptoms. It's advisable to eat or drink carrot juice 2 - 3 times a week. Adults can consume about 100g of carrots each time, while children can eat about 30 - 50g of carrots per serving.


2. Chili Pepper
Most Vietnamese people have a habit of using chili peppers in their dishes because chili peppers are a very common spice, creating an attractive spicy taste. Chili peppers are a type of fruit in the Solanaceae family, widely grown around the world, one of the most popular spices in the world, and indispensable in Vietnamese family dishes. Not only that, chili peppers are also good for our eyes.
This is good news for those who like spicy food, isn't it? You can satisfy your taste buds and also benefit your eye health at the same time! Chili peppers are one of the richest sources of vitamins A and C. Vitamin A helps maintain vision, while vitamin C protects the eyes against cataracts. In addition, chili peppers are also rich in vitamin B6, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and lycopene. All of these nutrients are essential for maintaining overall eye health.
However, remember not to eat too many chili peppers and only eat the top part of the chili pepper, removing the seeds, because according to research, the vitamin A content in 100g of chili peppers is much higher than in other foods, but this is only a seasoning amount so it cannot be abused. Eating too many chili peppers can cause many harmful effects on the body such as throat cancer, gastric ulcers, nerve damage, high blood pressure, etc.


3. Strawberry
Strawberries are beloved for their delicious flavor. Moreover, they offer numerous health benefits. They prevent heart diseases due to containing antioxidants and polyphenols. The vascular endothelium is protected by the anthocyanins found in these berries, preventing plaque buildup in arteries. They also regulate blood pressure, fight cancer, boost immunity, improve brain health, reduce inflammation, and are excellent for the eyes.
Strawberries not only taste good but are also high in vitamin C, which helps maintain healthy eyes and has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in enhancing vision, eye health, improving the function and lifespan of retinal cells, and strawberries are rich in it. The antioxidants in strawberries help prevent macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye diseases. Therefore, experts recommend consuming strawberries as much as possible for healthy eyes.


4. Sweet Potatoes
You may not have heard before, but sweet potatoes are actually a fantastic root vegetable for your eyes! They are rich in vitamin A, which is excellent for your eyesight and enhances vision. Vitamin A is beneficial for those with cataracts, macular degeneration, and high eye pressure. Sweet potatoes are also high in potassium, fiber, and beta-carotene, which help prevent infections caused by bacteria or viruses.
The vitamin A in sweet potatoes helps improve eyesight. This vitamin is not only crucial for the formation of various pigments responsible for absorbing light in the eyes but also maintains the proper structure of the retina. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to poor vision and may even cause blindness. Additionally, this condition is associated with eye diseases such as corneal ulcers, dry corneas, and conjunctivitis. Vitamins A, C, and E found in this root vegetable are excellent for improving vision and preventing eye problems. So why wait? Go get some sweet potatoes and prepare them into delicious dishes that are not only good for your health but also great for your eyes!


5. Salmon




7. Broccoli
Broccoli contains a compound that's highly beneficial for the body called indole-3-carbinol (I3C). Research has found that I3C can activate AHR, a receptor type that detoxifies retinal cells. AHR activity weakens with age, leading to declining vision and certain eye diseases. Meanwhile, broccoli is rich in I3C. Consuming this vegetable may help treat age-related macular degeneration.
Broccoli is incredibly good for you, with numerous health benefits for your family. It contains beta-carotene and vitamin C, which can reduce the risk of cataracts. Additionally, broccoli is rich in vitamin B2 and various nutrients that help prevent crystalline lens opacity. If you're experiencing tired and dull eyes, consider adding broccoli to your diet to improve this condition. Phytochemicals, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin are antioxidants that ensure eye health and maintain vision, especially in older adults.


8. Spinach
To improve vision, it's essential to regularly consume spinach along with other green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach. Spinach contains a variety of nutrients including vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for the eyes. Vitamin A protects the macula, lutein shields the eyes from harmful UV rays, and zeaxanthin contributes to visual development.
Spinach is rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, and minerals such as iron, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which are very beneficial for eye health, effectively enhancing vision and sharpness. Therefore, increasing the consumption of spinach regularly is a way to prevent eye disorders such as macular degeneration and cataracts, especially improving vision clarity and acuity. The best way to consume spinach is by drinking a glass of freshly squeezed spinach juice every morning before breakfast.


9. Coffee and Tea
If you're disappointed with your dry eyes, it makes sense to consider changing some habits to prevent dry eye symptoms. Cutting down on digital device usage or limiting alcohol consumption can greatly help dry eyes, but one thing you don't have to give up is having coffee every morning. Some people blame coffee and tea for making eye issues worse. However, some studies suggest the opposite: Caffeine may help alleviate those symptoms.
For many, coffee is often a restricted food to protect health, and tea is the same. But the habit of drinking coffee surprisingly brings benefits for your eyes. Coffee drinkers will be surprised to discover that drinking coffee can maintain vision and prevent blindness. Alongside coffee, tea is also a very good eye-drying food. But too much of anything is not good; you should drink coffee and tea in moderation to protect your health, as well as your eyes!


10. Walnut
Walnuts contain a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids that play an important role in maintaining overall eye health. Additionally, walnuts contain antioxidants, zinc, and vitamin E, which help reduce inflammation and protect cardiovascular health. Besides walnuts, you can also eat other nuts such as almonds, flaxseeds, and peanuts. Consuming a handful of walnuts daily can improve eye health and protect against various vision problems.
Typically, walnuts should be eaten raw, not cooked, because when cooked, walnuts will lose some important nutrients. If feeling too fatty and dull, people can roast or bake walnuts using a microwave. This cooking method makes walnuts more fragrant while still retaining their original flavor. Walnuts have a texture that is easy to grind, so they will not be affected or altered during processing or cooking. Walnut porridge not only provides nutritional value to the body but also enhances brain function. Additionally, you can combine walnuts with vegetables such as kale, pumpkin, lotus seeds... to create delicious porridge that is good for health, skin, and eyes.


11. Blueberries
Blueberries aid eye function through antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, collagen stabilization, and vascular protection. Consuming blueberries regularly improves vision and enhances blood flow to the back of the eye. Blueberries also contain anthocyanins, which help lower blood pressure and inflammation while preventing blockages in the arteries supplying oxygen to the retina. In addition to blueberries, regularly eating bilberries, cranberries, and strawberries is also beneficial for the eyes.
A study conducted by the Center for Health Care, Osaka University of Foreign Studies, Osaka, involving 20 patients with neurogenic weakness and visual impairment for 8 weeks showed different results between the group receiving 62.25 mg of anthocyanosides extracted from Vaccinium myrtillus and the placebo group (with a composition similar to group 1 but without anthocyanosides). According to the evaluation of 10 million typical symptoms of visual weakness: Eye fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, etc., the anthocyanoside group improved symptoms faster and more significantly in the first 4 weeks, with 6 out of 10 million continuing to improve in the following weeks.


12. Thịt đà điểu
Emu meat is favored by many for its health benefits and unique, enticing flavor.
For every 100g of emu meat, there are 26.9g of protein, 3g of fat, and 142 kcal. Emu meat's protein content is equivalent to beef and chicken, but with 66% less fat than beef and 50% less fat than chicken. Particularly, emu meat has lower cholesterol levels compared to beef, chicken, pork, and lamb. Additionally, emu meat is rich in iron compared to the aforementioned meats. With its low fat content, absence of saturated fat, and low cholesterol, emu meat poses no risk of overweight, obesity, or heart disease like other meats such as pork or lamb. Emu meat is not only nutritious and healthy but also tender and flavorful. Moreover, consuming emu meat does not necessitate changing red meat eating habits for many as it can be prepared by frying, grilling, or stir-frying, just like red meat, and is equally appealing.
Emu meat is one of the unexpected foods good for the eyes. As an excellent alternative to pork, emu meat is rich in zinc, which helps maintain eye health and reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Furthermore, emu meat contains less than one-third the amount of fat found in lean beef, and is low in cholesterol, beneficial for those with heart disease. Zinc boosts the immune system and aids digestion. Additionally, it helps reduce stress levels and accelerates metabolism. Especially, individuals with macular degeneration should regularly consume emu meat to improve potassium levels in the eyes.


13. Corn
In corn, there are plenty of zeaxanthin and lutein, two antioxidants beneficial for eye health. Half a corn cob provides you with 1.8g of these pigments. Consuming corn regularly reduces the risk of cataracts and decreases yellow pigment degeneration in the eyes. Furthermore, corn also provides additional vitamins such as vitamin C, B5, B1, and folate, minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and antioxidants that help the body combat the harmful effects of free radicals. Corn is rich in fiber, beneficial for digestion, aids weight loss, enhances the absorption of yellow pigment, and is excellent when paired with healthy fats like olive oil.
Corn is a familiar food to Vietnamese people, easy to grow, easy to care for, and widely available. Corn can be prepared in various ways such as boiling, grilling, roasting, or cooking in porridge, dessert... Regardless of the recipe, corn dishes are always enjoyable. Incorporate corn into your daily menu for your entire family's health.


14. Olive Oil
Olive oil contains abundant vitamin E. Each tablespoon of olive oil provides 1.94 mg of vitamin E, which is 13% of the recommended daily allowance for adults at 15 mg per day. The vitamin E in olive oil helps combat skin aging, promotes healthy eyes, and boosts the immune system.
Olive oil acts as an intermediary to enhance the absorption of essential nutrients in the body. So, when you eat salads or mixed greens, add olive oil to improve the flavor and speed up absorption for the body. Scientific research suggests that a diet low in saturated fats and fatty acids can prevent macular-related diseases. Olive oil contains essential nutrients that enhance antioxidant capabilities to protect your eyes. Moreover, olive oil is rich in vitamin K - 100g of olive oil provides 50% of the daily requirement of vitamin K for the body.


