7 worst foods for eye health

7 worst foods for eye health

Nutritional choices can play a significant role in maintaining the health of organs, including the eyes. Further, due to the arrangement of vessels behind the eyes, issues with heart health can affect the eyes. So, choosing foods that are not heart-friendly and have low nutritional value can restrict the vessels from transporting vital nutrients and oxygen to the eyes. Such eating habits can degrade eye function, which may lead to problems with vision.

Foods to avoid
French fries
One often enjoys fried items at a fast food joint. But such food can be extremely unhealthy. Many batches of french fries are made using the same oil and reheated multiple times before being served. While this is cost-effective for the fast food joint, the fries undergo molecular changes, which increases the harmful fat content. These fats are known to affect the health of organs, including the heart and eyes. Further, fried foods contain free radicals that cause oxidative stress to the body and subsequently affect eye health.

Margarine
Margarine is often deemed the healthier version of butter as it is made using vegetable oils. However, margarine is rich in trans fats, which are known to increase bad cholesterol levels in the body. Elevated cholesterol levels lead to blockage in the blood vessels, resulting in a poor supply of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the eyes. Regular intake of such fatty foods may also increase the risk of eye diseases. So, one could switch to oils derived from avocados, coconuts, and olives.

Processed meats
Foods like sausages, hot dogs, and bacon are common additions to meals in households across the country. Despite how convenient they are to make, processed meats contain a high amount of fats. Eating such foods regularly may result in the buildup of plaque in macular vessels, obstructing the flow of blood to the eyes and increasing the risk of diseases like macular degeneration. Processed meats also contain high amounts of sodium that may lead to high blood pressure (hypertension). Moreover, these foods may also affect other vital regions in the body, such as the heart. So, it is imperative for one to avoid or at least limit processed food to maintain eye health.

Frozen foods
One can find a variety of frozen food like pizzas and pasta on store shelves today. These meals come in handy when one has to make meals quickly and cannot spend more than a few minutes on the preparation. However, regular intake of frozen foods might be a cause for concern. Such products contain preservatives, salts, and sugars that could worsen eye health. Further, eating a lot of processed food could increase the risk of diabetes, which contributes to vision problems.

Store-bought condiments
One may add condiments, dressing, and sauces to food prepared at home to make it tastier and more visually appealing. However, store-bought dressings and sauces contain artificial sweeteners and salts to enhance flavor and preservatives that help extend their shelf life. Such products are also rich in unhealthy fats that could lead to macular degeneration when eaten excessively. To curb this risk, one could make their own salad dressing and sauces using fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients.

Coffee
Coffee contains caffeine, which gives an energy boost to work longer hours. However, some sources link the ingredient with multiple health complications, including the ones that may develop in the eyes. Regularly choosing caffeinated beverages might increase the pressure on the eyes. Those dealing with glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OHT) may worsen their symptoms with regular caffeine intake. Further, a sudden and excessive rise in pressure may lead to temporary or permanent loss of vision. So, one should avoid or limit the intake of coffee and other caffeinated beverages and opt for herbal teas and decaf drinks.

Sweetened beverages
Sweetened beverages, like soda and sports and energy drinks, contain at least 7 to 10 tablespoons of sugar per can. While the beverages could provide an energy boost, the excessive amount of sugar in them can put one at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Both conditions can contribute to vision-related issues. Further, too much sugar may also increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration. So, one should avoid sugary beverages and foods as much as possible.

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4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don't have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother's body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.  Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies. However, avoid bananas if you have allergies, a bout of cough and cold, or diabetes. Mothers can eat bananas after any meal or even add them to smoothies or pancakes as part of a meal. Fatty fish Fatty fish are naturally rich in vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Fish like salmon and sardines are one of the few food sources of vitamin D, which is essential for mothers and their infants. A deficiency of vitamin D in infants, though uncommon now, can lead to weak and deformed bones. These fish also contain DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid essential for an infant's brain and heart development. DHA can be naturally found in breast milk if a mother eats fatty fish, eggs, or red meat. Omega-3 acids can also help in preventing postpartum depression. Mothers can choose from freshly caught fish, buy from verified farms, or use canned salmon. However, ensure that you have salmon or sardines twice a week to get its benefits and increase the production of breastmilk production. Homemade stock Soups and broths are wholesome and satisfying meals for nursing mothers. The most significant advantage of broths or soups is you can make large quantities and freeze them. The first three months can be hectic for new moms, which is why broths are perfect. They are nutritious, time savers, and can instantly replenish nutrients and strength. Mothers can use the bones and cartilage of chicken or lamb for meat broths. However, slow-cook them as the soup will have time to absorb all the nutrients and minerals from the meat and bones.  On the other hand, vegetarian mothers can make soups and broths of various vegetables and lentils. Bell pepper, carrots, celery stalks, french beans, lentils, mung, cottage cheese, and peas are ideal ingredients for vegetarian soups. Broths and soups can also help deal with postpartum depression and help regain bone density. It can also help reduce joint pain and strengthen joints right after childbirth. Leafy green vegetables It is widely known that green leafy vegetables contain multiple nutrients like vitamin A, C, E, and K, fiber, minerals, calcium, and antioxidants. Spinach has a high concentration of phytoestrogens and iron. When a nursing mom increases the intake of spinach, it raises the estrogen level and helps stimulate milk production. Phytoestrogens also help in regulating and reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They are low on calories; hence, you do not have to worry about gaining weight. One serving of green leafy vegetables daily is the recommended quantity for nursing moms.  Mothers can also eat broccoli and Swiss Chard, which are high in calcium and iron. The daily calcium requirement for nursing moms is about 1,300 milligrams a day. Kale or collard greens also can supply about 20% of the daily calcium requirement. Moms can also have milk and yogurt to ensure they receive the necessary supply of calcium. They can add greens to salads, smoothies, soups, or casseroles. Cigna breast pump Cigna is a global health service company that offers health, pharmacy, dental and supplemental insurance, and Medicare plans. You can get 100% of Cigna's insurance for hospital-grade and standard electric breast pumps with a prescription from your physician, midwife, or nurse practitioner. Cigna also covers the cost of renting a heavy-duty hospital-grade breast pump if a standard breast pump fails. Elvie Free Elvie, one of the brands covered by Cigna with a doctor's prescription, has introduced a revolutionary, silent wearable breast pump that women can discretely fit in their clothes. It is a wireless breast pump that can be operated through a smartphone. This easy-to-use pump can be used confidently and without any hassle. Since it is silent, it can be used anywhere without any disturbance or the need for privacy. Moreover, there are no tubes or pipes. It consists of five easy-to-assemble and clean components that make pumping clean and safe. If you're a new mother who wants to try out breast pumps, give this a try after consulting a doctor. 

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5 Best Dog Foods For Growing Puppies

5 Best Dog Foods For Growing PuppiesGrowing pups need lots of things - toys to keep them stimulated, love to keep them happy, and most importantly, food to keep them healthy. Pet owners must be incredibly attentive with puppies because, like children, puppies need proper nutrition and plenty of energy-giving carbohydrates and must be shielded from harmful preservatives. Hence, dog food is the last place you should be skimping on. Here are the five best dog foods for growing puppies. Royal Canin Small Puppy Wet Dog FoodRoyal Canin is an excellent brand to invest in as they make special food for small, medium, and large dogs. Often, owners do not realize that smaller dogs have different requirements than large ones and when you give the same food to them, small dogs often gain undue weight. Royal Canin Small Puppy wet food is perfect for small dogs that weigh between 1 and 10 kg. The Royal Canin 3-oz pouches of wet food have real chicken and a gravy-like consistency that allows you to mix it with kibble. Further, you can get specialized food, especially for puppies younger than two months, since their requirements differ. And if your dog is a giant breed, Royal Canin provides options for that as well. Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food - Lamb and Brown RiceNutro Natural Choice dry dog food is made from non-GMO ingredients and does not include artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. They pride themselves on using high-quality protein sources as their primary component. There is no corn, wheat, soy, or chicken by-product meal. Nutro's puppy food comes in a Lamb and Brown rice recipe. Generally available in 30lbs packs, this puppy food should be on the top of your list. 26% of the food contains proteins, which are suitable for the growth of puppies. The main ingredients are deboned lamb and brewers rice, rice bran, and split peas. Remember that it is dry food, so you must ensure that your pets always have enough drinking water. Instinct Original Puppy Grain-Free Recipe with Real ChickenMost puppies prefer wet food since dry food is hard to chew, and transitioning from milk to dry food can be rather difficult. Instinct grain-free puppy food is a perfect choice for puppies since it contains truly premium ingredients. The grain-free recipe with chicken has cage-free chicken, beef liver, and salmon, and absolutely no fillers or artificial additives. The holistic formula contains 95% chicken, turkey, and chicken liver and only 5% vegetables. Carrageenan is a primary concern for pet owners, which is absent in this puppy food. This brand prides itself on the loaf-like texture of its wet food, which can be a snack or a meal for your little pup. Instinct also includes frozen raw meals among its products, which is an excellent alternative to kibble. Nutro Puppy Tender Beef, Pea, and Carrot Recipe Bites in GravyAnother option from Nutro is the beef, pea, and carrot recipe. This dog food is created from non-GMO ingredients and comes in easy-to-serve food trays. This brand promises real beef, chicken, and pork broth that all puppies will surely enjoy. Puppies generally prefer wet food, and further, Nutro includes no corn, wheat, or soy, all of which are not nutritious. Most pet food companies use these as fillers in their food, but Nutro is not among them. Their Feed Clean logo also promises Zero Waste to landfills, ensuring that your pup and the planet are happy. Nutro also offers turkey, duck, chicken, and whitefish variants of its wet gravy food if you want to mix it up. Remember that doctors recommend switching your dog food, as your puppy can grow allergic to the same food over time. Purina One +Plus Healthy Puppy Formula Dry Dog FoodPurina offers quality food at an affordable price in wet, dry, and even large breed versions in several flavors. Purina One +Plus Healthy puppy formula uses chicken as its number one ingredient, and the recipe includes DHA for brain development and calcium for the bones and joints of your little one. Real meat supports the development of a robust immune system and the growth of a healthy coat. Most veterinarians recommend Purina One, so feel free to talk to your veterinarian about it if you have questions. Another remarkable thing about Purina is that they offer customized food packages through Just Right - www.justrightpetfood.com. You take a five-minute quiz to determine what kind of food your pet needs and then get recommendations from Purina's experts. They offer subscription plans, so you do not have to worry about stocking up each month. What do puppies need?A puppy's diet should include four key components - protein, fat, carbohydrates, and calcium. Protein is the most critical requirement, especially after weaning. 22% to 25% of the daily diet should be protein for optimal growth, but it is best not to exceed this amount. Fat is necessary as it is a concentrated energy source and enables the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy. Calcium is essential, especially for large breeds, to maintain bone density. If you plan to home-cook meals, remember to keep these in mind and check with your veterinarian what fruits and vegetables are safe for your puppy. Referenceshttps://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feeding-growing-puppieshttps://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/the-14-best-dog-foods-for-puppieshttps://www.nutro.ca/en/natural-dog-food/nutro/natural-choice-large-breed-puppy-dry-dog-food-lamb-and-rice-recipehttps://instinctpetfood.com/dog/?category=wethttps://www.justrightpetfood.com/how-it-workshttps://www.pumpkin.care/blog/best-puppy-food-2021/

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