Christmas is a time of renewal, a chance to see the world with new eyes and focus on the good in life and people. This holiday, with gift-giving guides and goodwill galore, we think it’s safe to say that good eyesight is one of the best gifts of all.
Eyesight can tend to deteriorate over time, but you can boost your eye health to keep your peepers strong and keen by eating right. As you gather around the holiday table this Christmas, make sure you prepare a feast that will help you see in new ways not only this holiday, but into the new year.
So whether you’ve had corrective surgery, wear glasses or contacts, or are one of the 35% of adults with naturally 20/20 vision, check out these holiday recipes that are sure to put a sparkle in your eye.
Seeing green—vegetables that is
Everyone raves about the vision benefits of orange veggies like carrots, but many people overlook the fact that leafy greens are a powerhouse for your peepers. Filled with lutein, carotenoids and zeaxanthin, leafy greens can help improve your vision and ward off age-related eye conditions. This Christmas Kale Salad is dressed with chestnuts and roasted veggies for a colorful, healthful holiday treat that will enhance your feast—and your eyes. Check out the recipe here.
The holiday that turned fishy
If you typically serve poultry or meats as the main entrée, why not give your holiday a new healthful spin and wow your guests in the process? Salmon and other fatty fish are full of Omega-3, the oils that mimic the fatty acids produced by the eyes—and helps beat dry eyes. Slather on the flavor and the vision benefits with these recipes for Salmon with Tamarind, Ginger and Chipotle, or Salmon with Mustard Sauce.
Have a berry, merry season
Oxidation can take its toll on us, causing deterioration to sight and body. But berries are chalk full of antioxidants that are vital for slowing the deterioration and aging process. Antioxidants are vital for proper bodily functioning. Not only do they help prevent long-term memory loss, but they are vision powerhouses. That means that eating antioxidant-rich foods, like berries, can give your vision and all-around health a boost. Check out this festive fruit salad. It’s full of amazing benefits, and we love it!
Have some beta carotene with those carrots
Vitamin A is important for good vision and good skin. One of the best ways to feast on it is through the foods we eat, where, along with other nutrients and combinations, it can be more easily absorbed into the body. Beta carotene, which gives vegetables (like carrots) their coloring is turned into vitamin A by the body. Vitamin A is fat soluble, meaning that it’s best absorbed by the body when combined with fats. Check out this recipe for honey glazed carrots and coconut oil. You’ll get the best of both worlds with beta carotene/vitamin A and all the amazing benefits of coconut oil too.
Spread on the goodwill—and a thick layer of legumes
Legumes are filled with eye-friendly nutrients like flavonoids and zinc that help transport vitamin A from the liver to the eyes. This holiday, a bean dip might be just the thing your table needs to up the festivities and health benefits for you, your guests and all your eyes. There are plenty of variations and dips you can make to go with your meal theme. If you’re going for a multicultural holiday, try a delectable 7-layer bean dip, or a hummus. Or check out this recipe for a lemony white bean dip.
With a bit of planning, you can create a holiday feast that will enable you to eat, drink and be merry in the healthiest of ways. And when you’re ready to make a long-term change and put the glasses away for good, IQ Laser Vision is here for you.
