Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A derived from plant sources. Our body can also convert beta-carotene from plant-derived foods into Vitamin A (Retinol) when needed. However, the absorption and conversion rate depends on many factors. As a fat-soluble vitamin, adequate fat is vital to increase the chances of conversion. Pure vitamin A is primarily stored in the liver and fatty tissues.
Preformed vitamin A is the vitamin A that can be found in animal products and is absorbed as retinol. This is the most usable and active form of vitamin A. Enjoy your eggs, milk, cheese, and tuna as these are a few examples of food rich in real vitamin A.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for men and women is 900 and 700 µg retinol activity equivalents (RAE) daily.¹ Kicking off your day with a glass of milk, having some oven-baked sweet potato fries as an afternoon snack, and including lots of leafy greens in your meal will load you with all the vitamin A you need.
High in antioxidants and lutein, the Marigold flower of the tagetes variety plays an important role in maintaining the eye’s health. Marigold is rich in antioxidant carotenoids that give the petals bright yellow and orange colors. The main carotenoids in marigolds are lutein and zeaxanthin which can be found in the macula of the eye. Also known as the “eye vitamin”, lutein may help filter harmful blue light which may damage our vision. The third carotenoid found in the macula, which we called meso-zeaxanthin, appears to be created in the retina from ingested lutein. Meso-zeaxanthin is not found in natural food sources. The best natural food sources of lutein and zeaxanthin are green leafy greens and egg yolks.
Another fruit that consumers will flock to for eye health is bilberry extract. As a shrub, Bilberry is one of the 3,500 species in the Ericaceae family that, in particular, is native to European countries. So, what is bilberry? This shrub is always confused with blueberry due to their similar appearance and is indeed closely related. In general, berries are a good source of micronutrients, fiber, and anthocyanins. Most notably, the bilberry, also known as Vaccinium myrtillus L., is one of the richest natural sources of anthocyanins. As an antioxidant powerhouse, Anthocyanins are one of the polyphenolic components in the bilberry that give its bluish-black color and super-high antioxidant content.
Bilberry may help to improve eye health, especially night vision, by increasing the production of a pigment called rhodopsin.² Rhodopsin is a compound that may improve visual adaption to darkness and blocks the activation of STAT3 enzymes that decrease rhodopsin levels.³ Anthocyanins in the bilberry may boost the production of rhodopsin. In fact, bilberry supplies over 15 different types of anthocyanins. This water-soluble pigment may appear red, purple, or blue depending on a PH level. It is a color pigment that gives eggplant, purple cabbage, or cranberry its distinctive colors. Bilberry extract is usually standardized to contain 25 or 36 percent of anthocyanosides. This active component in bilberry is the key to vision health.
Wondering if that’s all you need to boost your eye health? Well don’t forget the Euphrasia plant – Eyebright. Jam-packed with vitamins, flavonoids, tannins, and iridoid glycosides, Eyebright has always been known for its vast benefits on the eyes. Used to support healthy vision, Eyebright contains astringent compounds called tannins which may help to reduce swelling in the eyes and to relieve discomfort in the eyes. The extract is also used to make tea. Boil the herb in water and drain off the leaves. Let it cool down and dip a small cotton pad in it. Use it as an eye compress at home and you will see the difference. Unbelievable!
For a more convenient approach, Holistic Way Super Vision is now on your doorstep. It contains Bilberry Extract of the fruit, lutein, carrot juice powder, Eyebright extract, multi-anthocyanidins, quercetin, and rutin which may help to enhance general eye health. In addition, the flavonoid and carotenoid antioxidants within this formulation may help strengthen the blood vessels and the retinal capillary bed.
Support your vision health now!
This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Holistic Way.
REFERENCES;
- https://www.nap.edu/read/10026/chapter/6
- http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/bilberry
- Miyake S, et al. Vision preservation during retinal inflammation by anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract: cellular and molecular mechanism. Lab Invest. 2012 Jan;92(1):102-9
