Our parents always told us to eat our carrots so we would grow up and have "good eyes." We are asked occasionally if eating carrots can really improve eye sight? The answer...yes and no.
Eating carrots won't give a nearsighted person 20/20 vision. But carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A--a crucial nutrient for maintaining proper vision.
Those who are deficient in Vitamin A may notice difficulty with night driving. Extreme Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of blindness in third world countries. However, if you are not deficient in Vitamin A, your vision won't improve no matter how many carrots or other beta-carotene-rich fruits or vegetables you eat.
Most multi-vitamins today contain beta-carotene so they are one easily available source. But, it is strongly recommended that getting your daily dose from dark, green leafy vegetables suce as kale and spinach and bright, orange-colored fruits and vegetables such as peaches, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and of course, carrots. Foods high in beta-carotene are preferable to a vitamin because of the other important nutrients that we won't necessarily get from a vitamin.
So head to your local farmers' market or supermarket produce aisle and fill your basket with good vision! We've included a shopping list...
Carrots
Spinach
Kale
Collards
Tomatoes
Bell Peppers
Citrus
Squash
Avocado
Strawberries
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