Lutein
Lutein is one of the carotenoids, yellow and orange pigments found in many fruits and vegetables including mangoes, corn, sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, tomatoes and dark, leafy greens such as kale and collards . It is the major carotenoid in the fruit and vegetable rich Asian diet, and a minor one in the typical American diet which doesn’t contain enough fruits and vegetables.
Our entire range of Lutein
Lutein is important for eye health. Lutein is found in the retina of our eyes so it needed for healthy vision. Lutein also appears to lower the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Lutein may also help to prevent or slow down the thickening of arteries that is called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a major risk for cardiovascular disease.
History of Lutein Carotenes and xanthophylls, the brilliant yellow pigments, were isolated in 1831 from carrot root by Heinrich Wilhelm Ferdinand Wackenroder (1789-1854), and from yellow autumn leaves in 1837 by Berzelius, respectively. In Greek, "xantho" means yellow, and "phylls" stands for leaves, which is comparable to "chlorophylls" (green leaves). Many scientific studies ensued, and by 1902, there were over 800 publications in the field of carotene research. Xanthophylls were found in algae, and lutein, a component of xanthophylls was found in egg yolks.
Source of Lutein Major dietary sources of lutein include vegetables such as carrots, corn, kale, spinach, Swiss chard, collard, mustard greens, red peppers, dill, parsley, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes and red, blue and purple fruits and read all about what this amazing plant nutrient will do for your body.
Eggs provide Lutein in a lipid form, which is easier for the body to absorb. High bioavailability provides greater biological benefit at a Lower intake of lutein, making it easier to consume what is thought to be a healthy intake of Lutein. Studies indicate that lutein can help protect against diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts and reduce the risk for some forms of cancer and heart disease.
Lutein is sold as a nutritional supplement. It comes in tablets, topical creams, fortified health drinks, and is also found in supplements containing carotenoid complexes that include beta-carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthin, and other carotenoids as well.
Benefits of Lutein Lutein is important for eye health. Lutein is found in the retina of our eyes so it needed for healthy vision. Lutein also appears to lower the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Lutein may also help to prevent or slow down the thickening of arteries that is called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a major risk for cardiovascular disease.
Lutein For Eyes Lutein is one of the most recent discoveries in this field. In our diets, lutein is found most abundantly in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, collards and kale. Like beta-carotene, lutein is a powerful antioxidant which studies show can contribute to the protection of cells. But the most promising application of lutein may be lutein’s beneficial influence on the eyes, particularly in regard to macular degeneration
Lutein For Skin Lutein also protects the skin from UV damage, as well as free-radical damage. Studies have also shown that lutein reduces inflammation and redness in the skin, and may even help prevent skin cancer. In addition to the eyes and skin, lutein is deposited in the breast and cervix. Studies indicate that lutein and other carotenoids may have protective benefits against breast cancer risk. Lutein may also help to prevent or slow down atherosclerosis, a condition that causes the arteries to clog and often leads to cardiovascular disease.
Lutein Boost Immune System Lutein boost immune system and, accordingly, prevent cancer. "Healthy people seeking to boost overall immune function should consider consuming 5,000 IU of beta-carotene daily, along with other carotenoids, such as lycopene and lutein." Lutein decreases chances of getting cancer, since development of cancer as a disease is associated with immune system impairment. Cancer cells develop in our bodies all the time, but our immune systems normally remove the malignant cells before they can develop into the symptoms we call cancer. In addition to boosting immune system, lutein may also fight cancer by both protecting your cells from free radical damage and increasing cell-to-cell communication, thus preventing them from turning malignant.
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