FOOD FOR SIGHT

Try these four tapas to boost your vision on World Tapas Day

Scientists point out that skin cancer is often caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which is already reaching dangerous levels in Spain.

Sunscreen

So they remind holidaymakers not to expose themselves to the sun for long periods and to always use sunscreen.

“People spend the whole year working inside an office but when the summer holidays arrive, they go to the beach for the whole day. This sporadic, yet excessive exposure is particularly dangerous,” Eduardo Nagore, Head of the Valencian Institute of Oncology said. Experts insist 95% of the cases can be prevented with basic measures such as using sunscreen. The number of people suffering from this type of disease is increasing worldwide.

AHEAD of World Tapas Day, the tapas with the best properties for maintaining healthy eyes have been identified. Celebrated on the third Thursday of June - this year June 15 - World Tapas Day is dedicated to honouring perhaps Spain’s best-loved culinary tradition. And while they can often involve a staple of friend food, they are of course part of the legendarily long-living Mediterranean diet. And the four most beneficial tapas for healthy vision? Well, it won’t be too much of a sacrifice to add these to your diet: Pimientos de Padron (fried green peppers), espinacas con garbanzos (spinach and chickpeas), boquerones en vinagre (little fish in vinegar) and gazpacho (cold soup). Pimientos de Padron are a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood vessels in the eyes and may help prevent cataracts

Spinach is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that help protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Health

Chickpeas are also a good source of zinc, which supports eye health. Boquerones provide a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and support healthy retinal function.

Tomatoes in gazpacho contain lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect the eyes from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of developing age-related eye diseases.

Lisa James from Specsavers Opticas in Guardamar said: “Eating a well-balanced diet is great for your health and some foods can also benefit your eyes and vision.

“When choosing eye-healthy foods, look for foods with vitamin A, C and E, Zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

“These include; red peppers, leafy green vegetables, oily fish, nuts and seeds, citrus fruits and berries, eggs, carrots and other orange-coloured fruits and vegetables, beans and peas and whole grains.”

Wise words for when chowing down your favourite tapas today - for those who wear glasses and those who don’t want to need to wear glasses.