Prevention is better than cure. This is applicable for eye health too. Eye care is better than eye cure. So do take good care of your eyes. This can be done by taking in lot of vitamins especially vitamin A into your diet. It is well known that the consumption of vitamins can contribute to a healthy body and lifestyle although most people are not aware that vitamins and minerals are also necessary to maintain vision health. The cells in the body, eyes included, are dependant on the type of diet and environment that they are exposed to. A poor diet will lead to cell reconstruction becoming below par which in turn can result in diseases. Our diet can dictate how our cells restructure and a diet full of nutritious foods can ensure that our cells are constantly replaced with healthy cells. For the eyes, healthy cells mean good vision health.

Vitamins can be a source of prevention for many ocular diseases. Cataracts can cause blindness and results from gradual clouding the eye lens. It can be prevented by the use of antioxidant vitamins C and E which can defend the eye from free radicals that injure the cells in the eye. Vitamin B or Thiamin can also help vision health by maintaining the wellbeing of the optic nerve. Cataracts can also develop because of damage from ultraviolet light but this can also be prevented by the consumption of Carotenoids which are found in dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach.

Studies have shown that the chances of age related eye diseases can be lowered by up to 25% by adding high levels of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and zinc to the diet. Riboflavin and Vitamin A are also excellent aids to good eyesight. Macular degeneration can also be eliminated or at least eased when enough antioxidants are consumed as caroenoids can protect the eye and slow down the condition. A healthy diet full of vitamin enriched foods such as green, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables is essential for vision health. Other excellent sources of necessary nutrients include blueberries, milk, poultry, eggs, beets and beef amongst many more.

Improving the vision can be aided significantly by adding certain fruits and vegetables to the diet. Increasing the daily intake of such vitamins and minerals may require the use of additional nutritional supplements. It is advisable to consult a professional before adding supplements to the diet while cutting down on fat, alcohol and smoking may also help as can drinking enough fluids.

Positive mental health is a great way to ensure you lead a long, happy and healthy life. Maintaining your mental health is easier than most people think and will have a significant impact on your everyday life. Here are the top 4 things you can do to help promote positive mental health in you and your children:

1. Eat healthy. Eating fast food 3 times a week and downing a few cold ones before bed might be easier than making a home-cooked meal and more enjoyable than drinking a cold glass of water but it won’t do a whole lot for your health. Eating home-cooked foods (especially fruits and vegetables) and staying away from the fast food joints will help you achieve the healthy lifestyle you desire.

2. Drink lots of water. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, average individuals are expected to consume at least eight glasses of water a day. And while this seems like it may be a lot, it’s actually not. Eight glasses is almost equivalent to filling up your water bottle a few times between waking up and going to bed. Remember, if you work out, you will need to increase your water intake to compensate for the water you’re burning off while exercising. Drinking water will detoxify your body and restore it back to a healthy state – especially after drinking coffee or alcoholic beverages.

3. Kick the bad habits. We’ve already mentioned it a few times but eliminating significant alcohol intake will have positive results on your mental health. Likewise, kicking other bad habits like smoking and drinking considerable amounts of coffee will also help keep your mental health at its best.

4. De-Stress. Stress is one of the leading causes for poor mental health. When you’re stressed out, your body has to work harder to keep up and, overtime, it will take its toll on your body and your brain. Next time something stressful happens, try lighting some candles and taking a bath. If that doesn’t work for you, try letting off some steam by going to the gym or going for a run. Keeping a positive frame of mind will promote positive mental health and eliminate undue stress on your brain.