Benefits of LuteinThe benefits of lutein are numerous thanks to it's antioxidant properties of helping to fight free radicals.
What is LuteinLutein helps to build the macular pigment which protects the retina. But did you know that the heart and the skin benefit as well?Lutein is a powerful antioxidant, and, because of this, it can fight free radical damage. An imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants can lead to cellular damage, which has been said to be a leading cause of heart disease, many cancers, and aging. Lutein is found in the eye, blood serum, skin, cervix, brain and breast. The body cannot manufacture it so one must get it through diet or lutein supplements. It is found in deep green vegetables such as spinach,
kale, and collard greens and in egg yokes, corn, squash and tomatoes. Macular Degeneration Lutein
The highest concentrations of lutein are in the macula - the small center of the retina that is responsible for our straight ahead and detailed vision. More specifically lutein is found in the macular pigment. The macular pigment is known to provide protection against
macular degeneration
and cataracts.There are several studies showing the relationship of this pigment to the development or progression of macular degeneration. The Eye Disease Case Control Study looked at 421 cases of wet AMD and 615 matched control cases. This is their conclusion: Carotenoid levels in the blood were much lower in patients with macular degeneration. "Increasing the consumption of foods rich in certain carotenoids, in particular dark green, leafy vegetables, may decrease the risk of developing advanced or exudative AMD." JAMA. 1994 Nov 9;272(18):1413-20. Lutein for the EyesFree radicals play a significant role in the development of eye cataracts as well as macular degeneration. Lutein is also found in the lens of your eyes.Oxidation plays a role in the development of cataracts, or the clouding of the lens. Antioxidants are known to protect our cells from the damage that they cause. Here is the conclusion of a study that was reported on in January 2008. The prospective observational data from a large cohort of female health professionals reported: "higher dietary intakes of lutein/zeaxanthin and vitamin E from food and supplements were associated with significantly decreased risks of cataract." Archives of OphthalmologyVol. 126 No. 1, January 2008
Benefits of Lutein to the ArteriesLutein benefits are cardiovascular health as well.It may help protect the carotid arteries from clogging up from atherosclerosis. The University of Southern California, found that participants with the highest levels of lutein in the blood at the outset had no increase in plaque in the arteries throughout the 18 months of the study. Those with the lowest levels at the outset had an increase in plaque build-up. The Lancet, Volume 357, Issue 9273, Page 2030, 23 June 2001 Lutein Skin
The benefits of lutein are not just for our eyes, but for our skin as well. The antioxidant qualities of this carotenoid may help protect the skin from UV damage during sun exposure."Lutein has been widely recognized for its eye health benefits for several years. But, our data is the first of its kind to suggest that it may have the potential to act as a preventative agent against UVB-induced skin cancer," said Salvador Gonzalez, M.D., Ph.D., leader of the Harvard research team. "In addition, these data suggest that lutein protects the skin against damage caused by exposure to UVB light, further validating our position that it is a critical component to overall skin health."
Lutein SupplementsLutein supplements have been found to help build the macular pigment. They can be found as a single ingredient (usually along with zeaxanthin) or as part of a more complete vitamins for eyes.For More Information:
Didn't find what you were looking for? Search this site by typing in a keyword and the results will be displayed below: Loading
Go from Benefits of Lutein to Lutein
Would you like to be updated on: The Latest Macular Degeneration Clinical Trials? 
√ Prevention of Macular Degeneration?√ Tips for Daily Living? √ Food Suggestions for a Macular Degeneration Diet? √ Ideas on Visual Aids to Maximize your Sight? If you said "yes" to any of the above, sign up for my monthly Macular Degeneration News. New! CommentsShare your thoughts about what you just read! Leave a comment in the box below. |
