Is it possible to enjoy a sweet treat that is also good for eye health? Yes!

As the leaves turn orange, red, and yellow, it reminds us that fall is here. Autumn brings the start of many holiday celebrations. When we think of each holiday celebration, it is frequently associated with a special meal or food... Halloween – trick or treat candy; Thanksgiving – turkey and pumpkin pie; Hanukah – potato pancakes and jelly doughnuts; Christmas – a standing rib roast with a rich dessert.

Celebrating with friends and family is an important ritual that supports emotional health and wellness. To support physical wellness, it is important to limit candy and desserts with excessive sugar and unrefined carbohydrates. But that doesn't mean you can't still have fun!

A Healthy Dessert Recipe for Halloween

For Halloween, I designed a panna cotta using coconut milk. The fat in coconut milk has a special fatty acid known as lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium chain triglyceride (MCT). Fatty acids are necessary for cellular membrane construction. The body converts lauric acid to monolaurin, which offers antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal protection. Consuming food containing fat, like coconut milk, helps in the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients including Vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

Coconut milk is excellent for eye health. The panna cotta recipe also contains strawberries, kiwis, and blueberries. These fruits are Vitamin C-rich, helping to reduce oxidative stress. Lutein, found in the green pigment of kiwi, reduces oxidative stress in both the lens and macula. Fruit has a multitude of enzymes, vitamins, and energy storage needed for our eyes and body. It also tastes naturally sweet, making it a great Halloween addition!

For your Halloween party, make the Eyeball Panna Cotta^© recipe and let everyone decorate their own eyeball. Family and friends will want to join in decorating. In the coming months, check back for healthy recipes for Thanksgiving, Hanukah, and Christmas. Let the fun (and eye wellness) begin!

Want another delicious and eye healthy fall recipe? Click here!