Posts tagged with The Value of Nutrition

For years I have talked to my patients about the importance of diet in slowing down macular degeneration. Dozens of scientific papers have reported how diets containing certain ingredients (such as blueberries, spinach, Omega-3 rich fish) have helped those with AMD. In the Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) specific components were tested and found to be helpful in slowing down AMD progression. Taking the AREDS-2 eye vitamins is very important but it is also beneficial to incorporate these nutrients in one's diet. Cookwithdoc.com is an extension of my conversations with my patients about recipes that may help those with AMD. I am excited to partner with Focus Vitamins to share some of my favorite recipes with you.   Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce(Serves: 4-6)Ingredients:Yogurt Sauce1 1/2 cups fat-free Greek Yogurt2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill1 clove garlic, minced1 tablespoon grated lemon zest1 teaspoon lemon juicesea salt and pepper– to tasteSalmon1 1/2 pounds Salmon3 tablespoons chopped dill3 fresh lemons sliced (1/4 inch slices)Directions:Yogurt Sauce: Mix the first 5 ingredients and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate. Can be made 1-2 days ahead.Salmon: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 13” by 9” shallow baking dish with non-stick aluminum foil. Place a layer of chopped dill and top with the salmon. Place remaining dill atop salmon and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover the salmon with lemon slices. Cover loosely with foil and place in the oven. Cook until desired doneness, usually about 15 minutes. Serve salmon with the yogurt sauce.Doctors note:This makes for an easy make-ahead dish. The yogurt sauce can be made a day or two ahead and the salmon can be dressed a day ahead and refrigerated then cooked prior to serving. Covered in lemons the salmon makes a nice presentation.

A healthy diet fuels your body and contributes to healthy eyes. It is best to start healthy eating habits while in your teens, that way as you age, your chances of serious eye problems, such as cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, will decrease. Vitamin A is typically the first ingredient listed on the label of multivitamin bottles. But, why is Vitamin A essential to keeping your eyes healthy? A shortage of Vitamin A can cause night vision complications and dry eyes, which can ultimately lead to eye infections and vision loss. The intake of Vitamin A may lower your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, pink eye symptoms and the side effects of retinitis pigmentosa. How much Vitamin A do you really need each day in order for it to make an impression? The U.S. recommended dietary allowance for teen boys is 900 micrograms and700 micrograms for teen girls. As mentioned in a previous post, Vitamin A can be found in foods such as beef or chicken liver, milk, eggs and colorful fruits and vegetables. As much as it is good for you, too much Vitamin A can be harmful as well.Vitamin A toxicity symptoms include headaches, loss of appetite, dizziness, skin changes and joint pain. You should not consume more than 2,800 micrograms in a day.