We know. This time of year it’s pumpkin-spiced everything. So we did a little research to see how pumpkins are beneficial to your eye and guess what… They are! As it turns out, pumpkins are rich in zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin, making them beneficial for your vision and total health.
So, what exactly will all those vitamins and minerals do for your eyes:
- Vitamin A protects the cornea and aids your eyes’ ability to see in low lighting
- Vitamin C reduces the risk of macular degeneration, which is one of the leading causes of adult blindness.
- Lutenin and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that can reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. They also filter out harmful high-energy wavelengths of light from your eyes.
- Zinc is highly concentrated in the eye, particularly in the retina, and it plays an essential role in delivering vitamin A to the retina to produce melanin.
But beware, your pumpkin-spiced latte may not have any actual pumpkin in it at all. But, when helping your kids carve away at their jack-o-lantern, go ahead and take a bite. Or, baked pumpkin seeds might be better for a great snack, or a pumpkin smoothie, and our favorite, pumpkin soup or roasted pumpkin to go with your meal!
Happy Fall, y’all. Now go get some pumpkin!
*Thanks Milan Eye Center for the in”sight”