As people’s dietary patterns and preferences evolve, organic food consumption is steadily gaining popularity in Canada. Data shows that in 2021, organic foods imported to Canada amounted to approximately CA$ 860 million, while 2.1% of all agricultural land in the country was used for organic farming. Additionally, over 80% of Canadian consumers purchase organic food most or all of the time, especially when foods labeled organic in Canada have increased by 5% from 2019 to 2022.
While organic foods undoubtedly have environmental benefits due to reduced carbon emissions and the lack of pesticide use, Canadians are also making organic dietary choices for the wide range of health advantages over conventional options. In addition to reducing the risk of chronic conditions like cancer, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, research shows that organic foods and diets can boost eye health, as discussed below.
How organic foods boost your eye health
Vision problems are a major health concern in Canada, with visual impairment being present in 39.4 per 10,000 individuals in the total population. Fortunately, organic foods present themselves as a healthy diet and lifestyle choice due to their eye health benefits. Research shows that organic foods contain higher levels of certain nutrients, including vitamin C, iron, and magnesium, which all help maintain eye health and functioning and protect the internal ocular structures against oxidative stress and damage.
Additionally, organically grown fruits and vegetables are reported to have about 50% more carotenoids than non-organic options. Carotenoids include xanthophylls like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are protective pigments known to boost visual health outcomes. Specifically, a 2023 study published in the journal Nutrition Reviews notes that xanthophyll-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, pumpkins, papaya, and corn, can improve visual acuity and macular pigment levels to reduce the risk of prevalent eye conditions like myopia, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. The following section outlines lifestyle changes to maximize these wide-ranging eye health benefits of eating organic.
How to maximize the eye health benefits of eating organic
Since organic foods boost eye health and help minimize the risk of serious eye diseases, it’s a good idea to incorporate these choices into your diet. Start by reading food labels when shopping for groceries, as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates any food, seed, or aquaculture product that claims to be organic. You can also look for local restaurants that serve organic meals, especially since such places are increasingly becoming common in Canada. For example, a previous post on dining options in St. Marys, Ontario highlights The Flour Mill and its local and organic produce, enabling you to make healthier choices even when you’re eating out.
Another lifestyle choice to adopt is sun protection. Your eye health is influenced not only by diet and nutrition but also by your exposure to the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, which otherwise increase the risk of eye conditions like eye strain, photokeratitis, and cataracts. Sunglasses are thus a must-have for daily outdoor activities, with trusted eyewear brand Ray-Ban even offering prescription sunglasses options for those with existing vision problems like myopia. In addition to balancing clear vision and sun safety through prescription and UV-protective lenses, Ray-Ban offers lightweight frame styles like the Original Wayfarer, Aviator, and Clubmaster for optimal comfort for the wearer.
Lastly, staying on top of your eye health means getting your eyes tested regularly by qualified eye care professionals. This is especially crucial since a survey by the optical retailer Specsavers found that 38% of Canadians are overdue for their routine eye examination, which must be scheduled at least once every one to two years. Comprehensive eye exams may include tests like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which scans your eyes in 3D to detect and manage progressive eye conditions like glaucoma and AMD early. However, even if you are not experiencing any vision problems, use your vision insurance benefits to schedule an eye exam and maintain your long-term vision health.
In summary, organic foods and diets can benefit your eye health, especially when complemented with lifestyle changes like sun protection and routine eye tests.
