by Taetske | 4:47 pm
(Last Updated On: January 21, 2024)

 

The Nitrates in vegetables are good for your eyes

 

Remember when your mother told you to “eat your greens”? Small children normally dislike greens and have to be persuaded to eat it. It usually comes as a bribe or a threat such as “if you do not eat your greens, you will not get to play outside” or “you will not get dessert”.

These are time tested and only occasionally successful methods a mother might use to entice a child to eat healthy foods. Why is it that my Mother always insisted on this? She might have known it was “healthy” without actually knowing all the whys.

 

Human Eye

Human Eye image Tobias Dahlberg

 

Now we know there are many whys you should eat more greens

The consumption of leafy greens is said to lower the risk of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss of people over 60 years of age. Worldwide over 196 million people suffer from macular degeneration. Data for the year 2020. It is predicted the number will reach 288 million by the year 2040. This is alarming news, and one wonders what we can do to prevent this.

 

An acclaimed book, revised and updated

Did you know that over fifteen-million Americans have age-related macular degeneration (Amd)? This ailment is advancing rapidly and will strike over 200.000 people this year. Dr. Lylas Mogk, the founding director of the Visual Rehabilitation Research Center of the Henry Ford Health System, has a personal and unique understanding of AMD.

Having this book you get information how to reduce your risk factors, hear about the latest groundbreaking treatments available, and a lot more.

 

 

Processed meats are no good

In the past, we have been hearing that nitrates are not good. Bacon, salami, ham, and other processed meats have nitrates and it’s harmful to your health if you eat processed meats every day. Do not stuff yourself on hot dogs. All these meats have one thing in common.

They have added nitrates, which, after being chemically reduced to nitrites (N02), will give the meats their fresh looking pink color and help to keep the meat fresh. The problem is that it increases the formation of N-nitrose compounds in your body, which is a possible carcinogenic.

 

Deli meat

Deli meat image M Eng

 

Some Nitrates are good

One might think it is best to stay away from nitrates. The answer is yes and no. Nitrates (also known as sodium nitrates and NO3) and ammonium are fertilizers in the soil. They break down to nitrogen, a nutrient required for healthy plant formation and growth. Nitrogen, when added to the soil (directly through manually applied fertilizer or through absorption from the air), supports vegetative growth and will show up in the leaves.

Recent studies have confirmed that the conversion of dietary nitrate and nitrite to nitric oxide is very beneficial to our health. It dilates and relaxes arteries and it helps with controlling your blood pressure and could be helpful in preventing heart disease. That makes sense, as it is the clogged arteries which cause heart problems.

 

Our eyes, the mirror to our soul

Coming back to my topic, the eyes are such a sensitive organ. With our modern life habits of smoking, too much TV, sitting at the computer, obesity and a poor diet, including large amounts of saturated fats, it is a wonder we can still see.

When you have macular degeneration (AMD) you will suffer from a blurry vision, dark spots, distortions, and colors kind of fade. By the way, smokers have a quadruple risk of developing AMD. Just as well I gave up smoking by the end of 2015.

 

Iris

Iris image StockSnap

 

Medical treatments for your eyes

As for medical treatments, there are a couple of things one can do.  Light treatment (photodynamic therapy) combined with injections in the eyes is one form of treatment available for those suffering from the wet form of AMD. These treatments have to be repeated on a regular basis and do have some side effects. Now I ask you, how would you like needles stuck into your eye. I would definitely prefer a natural method.

 

Eye-laser-surgery

Eye-laser-surgery image Raul Diaconu

 

Food changes that help

I think we are much better off making some dietary changes. A study was presented and published in The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2000 Australian adults were screened for 15 years. The researchers tested the effects of eating vegetable nitrates.

They came to the conclusion that after eating between 100 and 142 mg of vegetable nitrates daily, their chance of developing early AMD was lowered by 35%. They compared this to people who would normally eat less than 69 mg a day. Now, this is fantastic news as this method is so easy to do. Plus the fact it has no side effects.

A more recent study, which included over 100,000 participants who were 40 years or older, showed that eating 240 mg a day had 21% less chance to develop glaucoma, this compared to those people only consuming 80 mg a day. Although glaucoma is not macular degeneration, there is a commonality in that consuming leafy nitrates helps to reduce the chances of developing eye problems.

 

Now you will probably like to know what to eat

There are many things out there which will provide with a decent amount of nitrates. Included in the list are Butterleaf lettuce (200 mg per serving), Cilantro (257 mg/serving) and rhubarb (281 mg/serving).  Eating these appears to be a good idea. There is one vegetable which beats them all, and that is Arugula. It can boast a fantastic 480 mg of nitrate per serving.

 

Different types of salad

Different types of salad image Th G

 

First, I would like to tell you a bit about the history of Arugula

It has been known since Roman times and was grown as an edible herb in the Mediterranean area. You will find it mentioned in a famous poem, Moretum, attributed to Virgil, which contains the phrase: “et Venerem revocans eruca morantem” (” and the rocket which revives drowsy Venus(sexual desire) “)

It is said that during the Middle Ages it was strictly forbidden to grow rocket in the vegetable gardens of monasteries.  Anyhow, in 802, Charlemagne put out a decree making it possible to grow in gardens. Arugula is easy to grow, but mild frost will turn its leaves red.

 

A helpful book on leafy greens

This book is based on the latest health research. Mosty people are not familiar with dark green leafy vegetables. In this cookbook you will find delicious recipes which as a significant side effect will keep your eyes healthy.

 

 

Know your greens

You might think, oh no, greens again. You should not be afraid and try different mixtures, here come some ideas you might want to try. You will find it is exciting to learn how to make tasteful mixtures and at the same time get your daily amount of nitrates, your eyes will thank you.

 

Egg sandwich with Rocket salas

Egg sandwich with Rocket salad image Dana Tentis

 

 Some supplements added to your diet

You sometimes need to take supplements as you cannot eat so much. It is important to choose your company well. It does not help if you take inferior supplements.

Organixx, a great company with excellent products, just click on the photo and it will take you to their catalog of products. Our food is often deficient in minerals and vitamins. That is why we need supplements added to our diet. Take a look. I think you will not be disappointed.

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As an afterthought

There you see, your mother was right when she told you to eat your greens. As science advances more and more the secrets of nature are revealed. How helpful and good it is to eat natural things has once more been proven right. Take care of your eyes, you only have 2 of them.

Before you leave, have a look at Recommendations. It is a special page I have made for you. I hope you will find something of your interest.

 

Source: Lori Alton for NaturalHealth365 and Wikipedia

Photo Source: Pixabay.

 

Your Microbiome is an extremely important part of your physical make-up. Perhaps you would also like to read the following post.

How To Keep Your Microbiome Healthy With The Right Foods

Comments

Richard

Hello Teatske,

The benefits of regularly eating greens has long been known and documented. Europe and especially Germany where I live are very much anti GMO products and prides itself on its Bio range which is certified organic and pesticide free. The benefits of plants can in my opinion only be fully realized if the nitrates are organically based and no pesticides are used. Whatever the plant comes into contact with, it will absorb and this does not simply wash off.

Thanks for educating us on the benefits of the plant nitrates and how this relates to ones eyes.

Rich 

Nov 20.2018 | 03:09 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Rich,

    Thank you for your visit. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?

    I am lucky to live on my farm in Spain as here we can grow things without any pesticides. I made my own, and awful experience with Roundup in 1981 and that opened my eyes and I became organic. We use the leaves from the garden for the orange field, also the ashes from the burn pile. The kitchen leftovers go to the vegetable garden.

    It is sad to see that general health is getting worse as people eat man-made foods. Going back to nature is the best thing one can do.

    Regards, Taetske

    Nov 21.2018 | 08:00 am

Juliet

I have waited very long to hear or read the words in this post! You often hear about foods to lose weight and so much. Not many people talk about what I say healthy for our eyes. I use glasses but wish I didn’t and had a 20-20 vision. Eating my greens might not get me off glasses but it sure is a step in the right direction. 

Nov 20.2018 | 03:10 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Juliet,

    Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I hope you have downloaded your free PDF?

    I also use glasses to read and also to work on my computer. When I do cleaning jobs I better not put them on as then I see too much stuff. I will take this information also for myself and when shopping buy Arugula to eat it more often. 

    Regards, Taetske

    Nov 21.2018 | 08:00 am

Igor

Hi there 🙂 I heard it so many times, that I should avoid meat and eat more vegetables. I never thought about a reason why I should do it. Reading your article I now know why it is good to eat more vegetables and avoid meat. Now I have become more aware of the reasons. Thanks for your article. 

Jan 25.2019 | 03:42 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Igor.

    Thank you for your visit and leaving a comment on my post. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?

    My Mother also told me to eat my vegetables, I did not always listen.

    Now that I investigate these things I understand she was right. Back to nature that is the best we can do.

    Regards, Taetske

    Jan 26.2019 | 07:19 am

mzakapon

Hi Taetske,

This is a wonderful post about how to improve macular degeneration with nitrates. Many of us are not aware of taking foods containing abnormal fat and harmful element. I personally dislike processed meat and longtime frozen food. I have found some of your information is similar to our parents’ and grand parent’s advice. I will definitely share this helpful tips with my followers. Thanks for sharing this knowledge.

Jan 25.2019 | 03:51 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Mzakapon,

    Nice to see you again. Thank you for your comment. 

    Our grandparents knew best. They were still eating natural foods and had a lot of knowledge about why one had to eat certain things. Happy to hear you found my article helpful.

    Regards, Taetske

    Jan 26.2019 | 07:16 am

Maxine Georges

Hi Taetske,
This is an excellent article on using nitrates to prevent/improve macular degeneration.
Pointing out certain foods that hurt our eyes is a good thing to show people how to be healthy.
My mother always encouraged me to eat greens at an early age and I continued to eat them as an adult.
What puzzles me though is the fact of being a vegetarian did not prevent me from being diagnosed with severe glaucoma I know glaucoma is not macular degeneration but the same eating of greens apply. If the genetic implication is there then probably there isn’t much a person can do other than to maintain the condition to the best of their ability. Nonetheless, I will continue to eat my leafy nitrates to increase the probability of improving my health.

An I wrong in feeling this way?
Maxine

Feb 23.2019 | 02:48 pm

    Taetske

    Good afternoon Maxine,

    Thank you for your comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?

    I know it is not easy these days to stay healthy as there are a lot of factors which have an influence on your wellbeing. I have often done a fasting cure in my life which helps with cleaning the system. It might be partly genetically conditioned for you to have glaucoma and the best one can do is to have a serious look at the foods one eats and the lifestyle one has. Perhaps you find some things you can improve on.
    Do you take Lutein and Zeaxanthin as a supplement? I am sending you a link to a website where you might find some helpful tips. https://www.holistichealthherbalist.com/best-remedies-treating-glaucoma-naturally/
    I think you should continue with the leafy greens as they are very good for you. Wishing you all the best.

    Regards, Taetske

    Feb 23.2019 | 03:42 pm

Louise

Good Grief, my neighbour and I have just been talking about macular degeneration, she has it in both eyes.

She has injections in one but has been told they can’t treat the other eye in the same way because of two very different problem… the eye they can’t inject is very dry. So she has been told to eat more green vegetables. It is such a horrible thing to have to have the injections. I will share this article with her, she will appreciate more ideas on salads and which foods have nitrates.

I eat lots of greens, and hardly any meat but its not everyones idea of a tasty diet. I like the suggestions you make to include many different greens.

Thank you

Louise

Jun 08.2019 | 03:51 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Louise,

    Thank you for your visit and your comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?

    I cringe when I read about your friend who gets injections in her eye. I also have a friend who follows the same treatment and she told me it is not too bad. Personally, when I can avoid it, instead of going to the doctor I try to “treat” my health with a good lifestyle and healthy foods.

    When there is fresh spinach in the vegetable garden I love to make an omelet from my happy chicken eggs, add some thinly cut leaves and also some Spanish ham pieces, it tastes great.

    Regards, Taetske

    Jun 09.2019 | 06:03 am

Rob S.

I’m very serious about the health of my eyes!

Since I have type 2 diabetes I have to very very careful and conscious of my vision.

I now eat as healthy as I can and love green leafy vegetables. 

I wasn’t aware that they contained so many nitrates that are good and healthy for your eyes.

It’s no secret that processed meats are no good for you. I’ve read that many times.

But I’ve been on the right track with my vegetables and will continue to do so.

Is it possible to eat too many good nitrates?

Jun 08.2019 | 04:25 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Rob,

    I do not think you can eat too many greens but I suppose your digestive system will tell you. That is good that you have changed the foods you eat, I hope you are able to buy organic or perhaps grow some yourself. If you only have a balcony there are things which grow vertically and therefore do not take much space.

    Wishing you success on your health journey. It is a good idea to check if your drinking water is ok and skip Soda pops and anything which has artificial sweetener.

    Thank you for leaving a comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?

    Regards, Taetske

    Jun 09.2019 | 06:11 am

Jude

Do you mean over fifteen-million Americans have age-related macular degeneration? That’s a bit scary to know but its also great to know that vegetables can come to the rescue. I did not know that vegetables can help against vision loss. Asides being healthy for the kid’s and for pregnant women, I did not know that aged individuals should also pay attention to their vegetable intake.

Thanks

Jan 18.2021 | 08:53 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Jude,

    Thank you for stopping by and for your comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.

    How we live and what we eat has an enormous effect on our health. Sadly, we have turned away from nature. We now eat mainly man-made foods that are harmful. As I said in my post, one should eat more leafy greens and try to buy organic or even grow it yourself.

    Regards, Taetske

    Jan 19.2021 | 08:26 am

Makhsud Tagirov

Hi Teatske,
Thank you for sharing this useful information. I used to know and used occasionally beets powder. They say it contains 250 mg of nitrate per 100 g. It’s good to know the other leafy vegetables too. As to the nitrates used upon meat curing, unfortunately, they end up /turning into carcinogens. This is one more example of the different activities of the same phytochemicals in the plant and in the pure form.

Jul 18.2021 | 03:13 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Makhsud,

    Thank you for your visit and for your comment. It is really appreciated. I hope you remember to download a free PDF of your choice at the tulip widget.

    If people could stop fiddling with nature and let Mother Earth provide for our needs we would be much better off. Work like in old times when farmers would rotate their crops and every 7 years the field could rest and recuperate.

    Where you live do you also grow things? To have your own vegetable garden is work but the joy of eating your own produce is priceless and great for your health.

    When my Mother had cancer in 1973, after the awful radiation sessions she completely changed her food. The first year she only ate 2 things. Speise Quark and red beet powder. You could not buy red beet powder in Holland in those times, it came from Germany. Doing this she gave her body the chance to heal. After that first year, she never ate manmade food again. She died in 1997.

    Regards, Taetske

    Jul 19.2021 | 06:52 am

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