Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and as we look forward to the delicious spread, there’s an added bonus beyond the full bellies and family bonding: many traditional Thanksgiving dishes are packed with nutrients that benefit eye health. Here’s a look at how some of your favorite dishes can help keep your vision sharp and healthy.

Turkey

No Thanksgiving is complete without a golden-brown turkey centerpiece. Beyond being delicious, turkey is rich in zinc and niacin (a B-vitamin), which support eye health by helping to prevent cataracts—the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S. 

Zinc also plays a crucial role in protecting the retina, making turkey an eye-friendly choice that you can indulge in guilt-free.

Leafy Greens

Side dishes of greens aren’t just great for your overall health; they’re also packed with lutein and zeaxanthin. These nutrients are essential for protecting the retina and can reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.

Eye-healthy green side dishes can include, among others:

• Spinach,  
• Green bean casserole, 
• Asparagus, and 
• Brussels sprouts. 

Adding these greens to your Thanksgiving plate not only complements the meal but also provides essential nutrients for your eye health.

Colorful Sides and Desserts

Thanksgiving sides like sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie do more than add flavor and color—they’re also powerful sources of antioxidants. 

• Sweet potatoes offer beta-carotene, an antioxidant that supports night vision.
• Cranberries are rich in bioflavonoids that protect the eyes from free radical damage. 
• Pumpkin is packed with vitamin A, which nourishes the cornea and improves night vision, making that slice of pumpkin pie a dessert that truly benefits your vision.

While these Thanksgiving dishes contribute to better eye health, regular eye exams are also essential. So, enjoy a festive, vision-boosting meal this holiday season, surrounded by family and friends!

Click the link for more Thanksgiving feast ideas.

*Discovery Eye Foundation. (2022, November 18). A Thanksgiving Spread that Promotes Eye Health [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://discoveryeye.org/thanksgiving-food-that-promotes-eye-health/#:~ 

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