Home > Kids > Children's General Health > Keeping Kids Healthy > Eat the Rainbow for Your Eyes

Slideshow Iconslideshows MORE

|

Eat the Rainbow for Your Eyes

by Bridget Swinney, R.D.

Have you "eaten the rainbow" today? Brightly colored fruits and vegetables offer different nutrients that are good for your overall health, and eating the colors of the rainbow spectrum, especially those with the carotenoid lutein, may also protect your eyes from damaging light and promote good eye health for people of all ages. Read on to see what foods you should be including in your family's diet.

Previous
1 of 8
Various fruits and vegetables
Next

What is Lutein?

Carotenoids naturally originate from plants, such as fruits and vegetables, and can help protect against cell damage. Lutein is one of only two carotenoids found in the human eye, and it concentrates in the critical point of the retina that receives and absorbs light. It works in two ways; it absorbs potentially damaging light (especially blue light) and protects against oxidative damage. Studies also show that lutein can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, two of the leading causes of vision trouble in adults, by 35 percent and 40 percent, respectively.

Boost the use of this important nutrient in your family's diet. Encourage your family to taste a rainbow of fruits and vegetables that are good for their eyes (and if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, remember that baby can only get lutein through your diet). Check out this colorful list of lutein-rich foods.

Next: Red: Apples

you might also like:

from our community:

what’s hot

  1. Top 10 End-of-the-Year Gifts for Teachers
  2. 10 Gender-Predicting Old Wives' Tales
  3. Top 12 Fundraising Ideas
  4. VIEW ALL

stay connected

Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and information on all things parenting.

Enter your email address to sign up or manage your account.

Facebook icon Twitter icon Follow Us on Pinterest

editor’s picks

highlights

8 Printable Thank-You Cards for Teachers
As the end of the school year approaches, it's nice to thank your favorite educators for all their hard work. Print any of these free printable teacher appreciation cards to show your gratitude in a cute and simple way.

Great Gift Ideas for Dad's First Father's Day
Every dad's first Father's Day is a special one. Honor Daddy's important new role with a fun and heartfelt gift from you and your baby.

Explore Funbrain Jr. with Your Preschooler
Looking for fun online games, adorable stories, and cool printables for preschoolers and kindergartners? Check out the new Funbrain Jr., a fun place to learn for children ages 2 to 6.

11 Succulent Vegetarian Recipes for the Grill
Barbecue season isn't just for meat-lovers! These vegetarian recipes for the grill are a healthy and delicious alternative to typical barbecue fare.