Key ingredients for healthy eyes
Just as a healthy diet is essential for general wellness, nutrition also impacts our eyes. The foods we eat are packed with the nutrients our eyes need to protect them from unwanted eye conditions.
Alpha-lipoic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that is both water and fat-soluble, which allows it to move into all parts of the cell to neutralise free radicals. Alpha-lipoic acid also helps to regenerate glutathione, giving cells a double dose of antioxidant protection. Alpha-lipoic acid is commonly found in carrots, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, green peas and brussel sprouts.
Bilberry extract
Fortifying blood-vessel walls, bilberry fruit standardised extract helps to improve blood flow and improve oxygen delivery in the eye. The extract contains powerful antioxidants, which benefit the eyes and the circulatory system. Bilberry fruit standardised extract is found in bilberries, a relative of the blueberry family.
Borage seed
A natural substance, similar to flaxseed oil, borage seed oil provides high levels of essential fatty acids that our bodies need. Borage helps the body produce oils that can help to reduce redness and discomfort associated with dry eye. Derived from the borage plant.
Copper
Copper is added to all eye products that also contain zinc in order to prevent copper-deficiency anemia, which can occur if large amounts of zinc are consumed. It is known to aid in the development of the flexible connective tissue needed for proper eye structure. Copper is commonly found in sunflower seeds, beef, liver, cashews, dark chocolate, lentils and avocado.
Co-Q10
A naturally occurring enzyme, CoQ-10 converts the foods we eat into energy for our bodies and eyes. CoQ-10 protects the mitochondria and other cells in the retina. CoQ-10 replenishes eyes and supports macular health. CoQ-10 is commonly found in spinach, broccoli, legumes, beef and mackerel.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is a source of fatty acid that contains high levels of omega-3. Flaxseed oil is broken down in the body and converted into EPA and DHA, two compounds that are beneficial to eye health and can reduce the effects of dry eye by increasing and locking in moisture. Derived from flax seeds.
Ginko biloba
Containing special plant nutrients and no known pathogens, Ginkgo biloba can increase blood flow to the eyes and body and alleviate intraocular eye pressure. Gingko biloba also aids in combating eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts by promoting antioxidation.
Grape seed extract
A bioflavonoid and potent antioxidant, grape seed standardised extract helps to protect against oxidative damage and aids in the proper circulation of blood flow to the eye. It also supports the retina and blood vessels, which helps support visual acuity. Grape seed extract is found in grapes.
Lutein
Lutein is a powerful antioxidant that exists inside the body and helps to protect and maintain healthy cells within the eye. It is also able to absorb blue light and help protect the eye against damaging light. Lutein is extremely important in maintaining macular and retinal health, as this carotenoid is found to be highly concentrated in the macula. Lutein is commonly found in kale, spinach, greens, broccoli and eggs.
Omega 3
The fatty acids available in Omega-3 are essential to our health. Our bodies cannot produce some of the essential fatty acids (EFAs) we need. Omega-3 has been proven to benefit eye health and studies suggest that it may help to protect adult eyes from macular degeneration and dry eye. Omega-3 is commonly found in salmon, mackerel, shrimp, crab, halibut, sardines and flax oil.
Selenium
Selenium is a component of an enzyme found in the powerful antioxidant L-Glutathione. Once in the body, selenium helps fight free radicals in the eye from normal exposure to UV light. It is also essential to help the body absorb vitamin E. Selenium is commonly found in mushrooms, eggs, spinach, chicken, oats and salmon
Turmeric
Known for its inflammatory properties, turmeric contains curcumin an effective antioxidant that alleviates oxidative stress. This can contribute to common eye disease progression such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts.
Vitamin B6
Along with supporting heart health and brain function, vitamin B6 contributes to overall eye health. By carrying oxygen throughout the body and absorbing magnesium, vitamin B6 enables tear production and helps reduce the risk of age-related eye issues.
Vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps the eye shield itself from free radicals in the eye's normal ageing process. Vitamin C, a water-soluble nutrient, aids the body in forming and maintaining connective tissue, including collagen found in the cornea of the eye. Vitamin C is also required by nerve cells in the eye to function properly. Vitamin C is commonly found in oranges, kiwis, green peppers, papaya, broccoli and kale.
Vitamin E
Part of the cell membrane, vitamin E helps the eye shield itself from free radicals in the eye's normal ageing process. It neutralises oxidation in the body and protects certain parts of the eye, which can be susceptible to oxidation. Natural vitamin E, found in Viteyes 2 Advanced, has better bioavailability for your eyes than synthetic vitamin E. Vitamin E is commonly found in avocados, sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, peanuts and olive oil.
Zeaxanthin
Although naturally occurring in the body, the body is not able to reproduce zeaxanthin. It is an important carotenoid that helps to maintain macular and retinal health, protecting the eye from damaging UV light. Zeaxanthin is commonly found in peppers, kale, basil, broccoli, brussel sprouts and asparagus.
