Lutein:

We all want healthy eyes, right? Of course, we do! But how do we keep our eyes healthy? What does it take to keep them healthy? The solution: lutein.

What is it? The antioxidant, lutein, which includes lycopene and beta-carotene, creates the macular pigment. For those individuals who are curious about where it is extracted from, it comes from marigold flower petals. The macular pigment is located in the center of the retina. According to some research, diets with a high intake of lutein and/or lutein supplements are more likely to cut the risk of serious eye diseases, such as macular degeneration.

Free radicals cause molecules to become damaged as a result of proton from light hitting the eye. With the help of lutein, it can reduce this problem. Since macular pigment is more likely to produce macular degeneration, which generally causes blindness in the senior citizen population. Having a high lutein diet and supplements that contain lutein may increase the chance for the macular pigment to become thick. In addition to helping the eyes, this antioxidant may reduce the chance for individuals to getting heart disease and different types of cancers.

The following conditions have health benefits when using lutein:

Macular degeneration: This is also known as age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, which blocks the center vision with a large spot. This is one of the early symptoms. The most common age-related macular degeneration is called the dry AMD, which includes elements such as a thin macular pigment, very tiny scarring, and oxidized fats as in lepofusan.

According to scientific research, individuals that had a diet that was rich in lutein, such as spinach and broccoli, were more likely to be diagnosed with AMD. However, there are some studies showing that supplements with lutein may reduce the individual's risks of getting age-related macular degeneration.

Cataracts: Unlike macular degeneration, which blocks the center vision, cataracts show the eye's lens becoming opaque. Although they grow in a very slow process, it is almost impossible for cataracts to be reversed. But during a two-year research that was conducted by Spanish researchers, they claimed that if individuals take a daily dose of fifteen milligrams of lutein ester, which would show the improvement of visual acuity.

Since lutein supplements are relatively safe, it is unlikely that anyone with have an overdose. Just to be on the safe side, it is best to take five to six milligrams of lutein on a regular basis. If individuals are diagnosed with AMD, it is recommended to take thirty milligrams everyday; it is imperative to inform the physician.

But when purchasing lutein supplements, individuals should read the fine print on the labels. There are two classifications of these supplements: free lutein, or unbound and lutein ester. Both classifications are excellent products. It is best to do some research before making that investment.

Source:

Better Nutrition, January 2008, "Keeping an Eye on Lutein," pp. 30-31