A little pep to my step!

Im adding a little pep(pers) to my step.

I think its safe to assume that we all can agree that nutrition plays a huge role in the development of certain diseases, however, nutrition can also reduce ones risk to develop eye disease.  A recent news article put light to the importance of nutrition by reporting on a boy who’s poor diet led to a host of health problems, including blindness.

So far, Ive talk about apples, avocados and eggs and the good stuff in those foods that can help reduce eye disease.  Turns out there are a lot of eye-nutrient foods out there and adding them to your diet will surely put a pep in your step too!

Bell peppers will put that pep in your step for sure! Did you know that raw bell peppers have one of the richest sources of Vitamin C?.  Vitamin C hosts a powerhouse of benefits to our body and our eyes.  It plays a role in the formation of collagen in our cornea, the delicate blood vessels in our retina and preventing cataract formation in the crystalline lens. 

Bell peppers also contain Vitamins A and E which help fight off infections, and help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, cataracts and night vision problems. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease as well.

So how do you add this eye-nutrient packed veggie to your diet?  Add it as a snack!  Sweet bell peppers are low carb and fat free food that are easy to pack in lunches, easy to add to salads or throw on the grill for some cooked veggies.

Need some more inspiration, check out these recipes here and here (for kid-friendly recipes).

P.S. Can’t get your kids to eat a variety of veggies?  Don't feel bad, I struggle with that too.  We can’t win at everything but we can make some accommodations.  My secret, ranch dressing.  Slicing up some raw sweet bell peppers only goes as far with my kids if I have some ranch dressing for them to dip.  

Stay Happy and Healthy,

Dr. Jennifer Wademan