Food For Healthy Eyes: Lutein and Zeaxanthin
you are looking to prevent eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataract fungus, a good way to start is to follow the right diet. For healthy eyes you need specific nutrients and foods, but special notes include lutein and xanthine. What are these and how do they keep your eyes healthy?
Lutein and xanthine are carotenoids, pigments that give plants red, orange and yellow colors. One of their tasks is to protect plants from high-energy light called blue light. These substances are very dense in the macula of the eye, giving it a yellow color. In fact, the macula contains a third form of carotenoid that has been suggested in recent studies. This pigment, known as meso-xanthine, is produced in the retina using ingested lutein and is not found in any food source.
Benefits of lutein and jaxanthin
The primary advantage of lutein, jaxanthin and meso-jaxanthin is how they protect the eye from blue light. They prevent blue light from reaching the retina which prevents light-induced oxidation which leads to macular degeneration (AMD). They work with other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and beta carotene that protect the body from free radicals that damage cells and cause many diseases.
The benefits of these three carotenoids are well documented in several studies published in reputable journals. The American Journal of Epidemiology, Ophthalmology and Ophthalmology has published research combining high levels of lutein and xanthine with low incidence of macular degeneration. Two studies in investigative ophthalmology and visual science have found almost identical results that increased levels of macular pigment indicate a lower risk of developing ATMD.
In addition, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (REDS and ARDS 2) has produced a daily antioxidant that contains vitamins C and E, zinc and copper, as well as lutein and xanthine. This combination has been shown to reduce the risk of AMD progression by 10 to 25 percent. The study did not rule out the possibility of lutein and xanthine reducing the risk of cataracts.
Foods containing lutein and hexanthin
Both of these nutrients are abundant in green and yellow vegetables, especially the leaves. Cooked spinach is considered to be the top source of spinach and cooked seasoning. They are also found in vegetarian sources, especially in egg yolks. However, if you have high cholesterol levels, it is better to stick to vegetarian items.
Conclusion
Like other parts of the body, the eyes need proper nutrition to stay healthy and disease free. Eating foods rich in lutein and xanthine is a great way to maintain great eyesight.