Focus On Spinach To Protect Your Vision

It's spring, and fresh spinach is at the markets. It's no secret that spinach is rich in many vital nutrients. This leafy green vegetable contains iron, folic acid, thiamin, potassium, vitamins A and C, and dietary fiber.

But, did you know that spinach and other greens can play a preventive role in guarding against vision problems common to older adults?

Greens are rich in beta-carotene and lutein, two important antioxidants that help maintain eye health. Antioxidants are powerful weapons against disease.

Spinach can help guard against cataracts. Recent studies have shown that people who eat spinach and other dark green vegetables (such as broccoli, collards and kale) at least twice a week have a lower risk of developing cataracts than people who eat greens just once a week.

The lutein in greens may also help prevent age-related macular degeneration, a common cause of blindness among seniors.

Lutein may also help prevent arteries from clogging and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Prevention is the key to good health. Health agencies recommend eating 3 to 5 daily servings of vegetables. Most Americans fail to meet this guideline.

Try to increase your vegetable consumption, especially greens. Eat vegetables daily at both lunch and dinner. To eat more greens, use fresh spinach instead of lettuce in your favorite sandwiches, add greens to soups and casseroles, eat them lightly cooked as a side dish, and make a habit of snacking on green salad.