Sneaking vegetables into meals can improve your eye health

December 2, 2009

The American Optometric Association recommends eating plenty of fruits and vegetables to improve and maintain your eye health. The vitamins and antioxidants found in dark, leafy green vegetables like broccoli and spinach, as well as colorful snacks like carrots and peppers all provide essential nutrients to our eyes.

Eating well can reduce your chances of developing age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts, three of the leading causes of blindness in America.

If getting six servings of veggies in a day seems like a difficult task, look for ways to incorporate them into meals you already prepare, or try preparing them a different way.

Soups are hearty and delicious in the winter time, and are easily padded out with vegetables. Throw carrots, beans, broccoli and tomatoes into the base of any quick stew or soup and you won't even notice the addition.

Brussle's sprouts get a bad rap, but try steaming or pan-searing this superfood for a different taste. Almost any vegetable will taste delicious if you brush it lightly with olive oil, dust on garlic or spices and roast it in the oven. Try this with broccoli, asparagus, carrots and sweet potatoes.