Let’s Look at Whole Grains
They can protect your eyes against a whole host of vision conditions
Incorporating whole grains into your diet can contribute to several lifestyle improvements. Whole grains can benefit your eyes by protecting them from vision-impairing conditions and reducing the risk of vision loss later in life.
Did you know? Whole grains reduce the likelihood of blood sugar spikes that can damage the retina over time.
Cataracts and macular degeneration
Whole grains contain vitamin E, zinc and niacin, which can all improve eye health by reducing the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss among older people.2,3
Replacing refined carbohydrates and high glycemic index foods with whole grains can slow the progression of AMD by as much as 8 percent.4 Instead of eating high glycemic carbohydrates, like white bread and pasta, choose less refined carbohydrates such as quinoa, brown rice, oats, and whole-wheat breads and pastas.5
Overall eye health
Whole grains reduce the likelihood of blood sugar spikes that can damage the retina over time.6 Corn, which is also gluten-free, is high in antioxidants and lutein, an enzyme necessary for sustained eye health.7 The zinc in whole grains protects eye tissue from light and inflammation.8 Eating whole grains is a good nutritional practice for both overall health and eye health.