What is Lutein
Macular Degeneration Antioxidant
Lutein is an important antioxidant that is found in the macular pigment protecting the eye from damaging ultra violet light.
Carotenoids are a group of powerful antioxidants that include well known compounds such as:
alpha-carotene, lycopene, and zeaxanthin. Lutein is a pigment that gives food a red, orange or yellow color. In the dark-green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach the green chlorophyll will mask the pigment. It is also found in egg yolks.
Hundreds of carotenoids are found in nature, in fact around 600- but only 20 of them are found in the body. We get these carotenoids either from the food we eat or from supplements - the body does not make them. Lutein is a carotenoid that is found in the retina, but especially the
macula lutea.
Carotenoids are naturally occurring, fat soluble pigments in plants. Because they are fat soluble, they are better absorbed when you include some healthy fat like olive oil with your spinach. Foods High in Lutein
Actually this antioxidant is found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, but egg yolks seem to be the best source because they are more bioavailable and better absorbed by the body.
Yellow plant pigments commonly found in yellow and dark green, leafy vegetables may reduce the risk of macular degeneration (AMD), according to a study reported in the September 2007 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology. Foods high in lutein include spinach, tomatoes, carrots, orange peppers and eggs. To get a complete list click here: Foods High In Lutein Macular Degeneration LuteinMost people associate the benefits of lutein to the eye and especially the 
macula,
where we find the
macular pigment.
But did you know that the heart and the skin benefit as well? Lutein is found in the eye, blood serum, skin, cervix, brain and breast. What is lutein? Lutein is a powerful antioxidant, and, because of this, it can fight
free radical damage.
The macular degeneration vitamin that my husband and I take includes lutein as well as other good macular degeneration antioxidants, like zeaxanthin and bilberry. It uses all natural food sources that help to ensure that the nutrients are absorbed and utilized by the body. To go to Natural Eye Care website click here:
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beta-carotene,
