12 Exotic Fruits For Healthy Eyes

A diet rich in carotenoids, beta-carotene, vitamins and lutein can help to keep your eyes healthy. Certain fruits are said to reduce dry eye symptoms, reduce risk of certain eye disease and even improve night-time vision.

Maintaining a healthy diet can reduce the risk of several eye problems. There are thousands of different types of fruits and here are some exotic fruits that you could consider adding to your ‘to-eat’ list which may also help keep your eyes healthy.

1. Atemoya

Atemoya has several health benefits. This fruit lowers blood pressure levels and increases the body’s energy levels. It contains vitamin B and C and can help to reduce inflammation and the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

2. Black Sapote

Black Sapote, or ‘black persimmon’, is rich in potassium, magnesium and vitamin A, C and D. These vitamins play a key role in maintaining good eyesight and this fruit supports and enhances eye health.

3. Buddha’s Hand

Buddha’s hand is an unusually shaped citrus fruit. High in vitamin C, it protects the capillaries of the retina. It is an anti-inflammatory fruit that is said to reduce pain and swelling. The fruit has several aromatic organic compounds.

4. Cherimoya

Cherimoya, or ‘custard apple’, contains potassium, vitamin B and C and lutein. It is often considered as one of the world’s best-tasting fruits. This fruit is very similar in appearance to atemoya. Lutein found in cherimoya promotes eye health by maintaining healthy vision. It may lower the risk of developing conditions like cataracts. Potassium-rich foods can also help to reduce the excess fluid that causes puffy eyes.

5. Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit is rich in vitamin A and C and carotene. These vitamins are known to nourish and protect the cornea. This fruit has a very unique appearance and has recently become extremely popular due to its many health benefits and nutrients. This fruit is good for maintaining both low-light and colour vision.

6. Gac

Gac is often described as a ‘superfruit’ for the eyes. It is high in beta-carotene, vitamin A and C, and lycopene. The zeaxanthin found in gac helps to reduce oxidation and protect the tissue of the eyes against overexposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. It also helps to maintain good night vision while reducing the risk of blindness.

7. Jackfruit

Jackfruit is a rich source of vitamin A and C and other compounds. It can help to maintain eyesight and may help prevent vision-related problems like AMD and cataracts.

8. Kiwano

Kiwano or ‘horned melon’ contains high levels of vitamin A. Vitamin A is a type of carotenoid and an essential nutrient for eye health. It is an antioxidant that helps to protect the eye from free radicals. It may help to prevent or slow the development of cataracts.

9. Mangosteen

Mangosteen is a tropical fruit packed full of B complex vitamins and vitamin C. The fruit is praised for its healing properties and contains xanthones which have been shown to inhibit cancerous cells. It is said to reduce macular degeneration among women.

10. Physalis

Physalis or ‘groundcherry’ is packed full of vitamin A and carotenoids which are known to be good for maintaining eye health. The nutrients in physalis may help to reduce the negative impacts of computer vision syndrome and protect vision.

11. Rambutan

Rambutan is rich in vitamin C, bioflavonoids, antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. The nutrients in this fruit complement each other and may reduce the risk of developing age-related eye problems and protect the eye.

12. Yangmei

Yangmei is packed with vitamins C, phytochemicals and antioxidants that help to lower blood pressure and protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.

The fruits listed above may help to slow or stop the development of certain eye diseases. Consuming certain fruits and vegetables can be beneficial for your overall health. Although it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet; it is very important to schedule eye examinations especially if you have recently noticed any changes in your vision.

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About the expert

Mr Hamada | Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon

MD, MSc, DO (hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth I am Samer, founder and consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in ophthalmology. I am a world-renowned specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. I’m not only a leading surgeon but also the only dual fellowship trained in corneal diseases in children from reputable institutions in the UK. At Eye Clinic London I work closely with other consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Our main aim is to make sure our patients get the safest and best treatments available to them. We put your safety before anything else so you can rest assured that if you choose us you will be in the best and safest hands.