In our blog posts, we have examined the potential health risks of artificial sweeteners in detail. Emerging research now indicates that certain artificial sweeteners may, in some cases, pose greater risks than table sugar. Of particular concern is erythritol, a sugar alcohol, which has been associated with an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, including blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.
Erythritol is a commonly used artificial sweetener. Although it occurs in small amounts in some fruits and vegetables and is produced naturally in the body as part of normal metabolism, the quantities used in processed foods and beverages are far higher—often more than 1,000 times the levels found in nature. Continue reading “Artificial Sweetener Erythritol Linked to Increased Stroke and Heart Attack Risk”
Love chocolate? You’re not alone—and science is on your side. Cocoa flavanols and dark chocolate aren’t just delicious treats; they’re packed with natural compounds that can benefit your heart, brain, and even your vision. In this article, we 
Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations that undergo extensive processing and typically contain multiple ingredients not usually found in home cooking. Typically, these foods are lower in nutrients and fiber and higher in sugar, fat, and salt compared to unprocessed or minimally processed foods. Ultra-processed foods include soda, packaged cookies, chips, frozen meals, flavored nuts, flavored yogurt, hot dogs, distilled alcoholic beverages, and fast foods. Even many packaged breads, including those high in nutritious whole grains, qualify as ultra-processed because of the additives and preservatives they contain. 
Artificial sweeteners have long been marketed as a “healthier” alternative to sugar, especially for those managing diabetes, obesity, or simply aiming to cut calories. But as we explored in a 
In the USA, our diets are usually high in ultra-processed foods, fat, sugar, salt, and empty calories. Poor nutrition has been linked to declines in mental health, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety. It can also compromise eye health, contributing to conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and macular degeneration. A nutrient-poor diet can also impair brain, cardiac, and neurological function, weaken immunity, and contribute to obesity. 
We might not connect our eating habits to eye disease, but poor nutrition impairs circulation. Reduced circulation can contribute to eye diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal vascular occlusions, ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), dry eyes, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Instead of being a “victim” of eye diseases in your senior years, you can take charge of your health today!
Oxidative stress significantly affects health and vision. It is a process in which free radicals are produced, leading to potential harm as these unstable molecules steal electrons from healthy cells. This oxidative damage can manifest visibly as aging skin and ocular changes, such as cataract formation. However, oxidation is not the only factor contributing to accelerated aging and eye conditions; poor circulation and insufficient essential nutrients also play important roles.
Wintertime is when colds and flu are the most common. Why should we try to avoid these infectious diseases, and how? In addition to annual vaccines, what are some natural ways to stay healthy during cold and flu season? At Natural Eye Care, we see healthy eyes as part of a healthy body. This article references research that supports lifestyle, nutrition, botanicals, and supplements to fight colds and flu. Find out how to avoid getting sick, reduce the impact, and recover faster.