{{{image-476}}}I am a ‘wannabe’ Italian. I LOVE Italian food. I am anxious to get over to Italy to taste authentic Italian food in its homeland. I am a big pasta and pizza eater and I love making pasta and vegetable creations for meals. Good news for me? Italian food can be eye healthy says many doctors at vision eye centers and works for the Dr. Tavel Eye Health Food Challenge!
Whew, I was worried that I would have to omit my favorites in sake of the challenge. I will have to forgo my love for cheese as that won’t exactly help my waistline or my vision but I can enjoy all of the tomatoes and garlic I want!
Tomatoes contain Vitamin C, the “power” nutrient for the eyes, as well as Lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant reducing the number of free radicals in the blood benefiting our bodies specifically the eyes according to Teri Thackston’s article, “Diet and Nutrition Tips for Optimal Eye Health.” The Lycopene levels increase as the tomatoes have been cooked so things such as ketchup and tomato sauce are eye healthy!
Along with tomatoes, one clove of garlic can keep the eye doctor away! Not really but it is proven that a clove of garlic a day which contains sulfur and guercetin helps prevent cataract development and promotes proper lens focusing. Besides these eye healthy features, garlic too helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. A win-win!
An Italian recipe that the best eye doctors at Dr. Tavel suggest promoting eye health:
Garlic Tomato Sauce by Garlic Central
1 large onion
4 cloves garlic crushed
1 glass dry white wine
14 oz. tin chopped tomatoes
1 TB tomato puree (paste)
1 TB dried mixed herbs
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt/Pepper
Directions found HERE. Add with whole-wheat pasta and a spinach salad and WIN with this eye healthy Italian meal.
As always, if you have ideas for eye healthy recipes please comment on this post or email: [email protected].