1. Coffee
Many of us can’t get our day started without our daily cup of coffee, but research suggests that it may be affecting our eyesight. According to the Journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, consuming large amounts of caffeine can lead to glaucoma, which is a known cause to blindness. Avid coffee drinkers who consume three or more cups of coffee a day were at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Researchers suggest that there is some type of compound in coffee, when mixed with caffeine that can result in glaucoma. If you are wondering if you should cut coffee out of your diet, the answer is no. Limiting the amount of coffee is a healthier option though.
2. Sugar
It is no secret that sugar is bad for you, and is found in almost every processed or packaged food. Studies haves shown that nearly two sodas per day can accelerate aging by 4.6 years. Another study, published in the American Journal of Public Health stated that the effect of soda is much like that of smoking. This not only affects the eyesight, but has damaging results on the overall body. You may not realize that sugar is hidden in a lot of foods such as juice, bread, pasta, chips, yogurt and ketchup. Reduce the amount of processed foods in your diet.
3. Junk Food
It may be convenient to order some take out, or pick up some food at the nearest drive-thru, but in reality, those foods are not only taking a toll on your body, but your eye sight. The fats and oils in “fast-food” clog arteries and blood vessels that help supply the eyes with nutrients that they need. It is very important to nourish the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals. Colorful fruit and vegetables, leafy greens and wild-caught fish help with the prevention of eye diseases.
4. Salt
Salt is required in almost every recipe, but did you know high levels of sodium can cause high blood pressure, leading to restricted blood flow to the eyes! Sodium not only bloats the body, but affects other tissues in the body. Sodium in salt, is found in many foods naturally, so adding more salt is not necessary. Removing the salt shaker from the middle of the table of the table, or buying salt with 50% less sodium are two ways that you can reduce your sodium intake.
5. Cigarettes
Although cigarettes are not categorized as “food”, they are categorized under “habits” that can damage your eye health. These cancer sticks not only can leave you blind, but the chemicals being inhaled are three times more likely to cause cataracts according to a study made by Harvard University. There are healthy alternatives to replace the craving.
