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About That Lutein...
Scientists all agree: Lutein is an antioxidant that may help protect cells from damage and has the ability to filter some of the damaging light from the sun. We know that lutein is present in both the lens and the macular region of the eye - that is, the eye tissues responsible for central vision. Lutein is the antioxidant that forms the yellow pigment in the retina of the eye, where it has the ability to filter out some of the damaging light from the sun. In a sense, lutein acts like built-in sunglasses!
Your body does not make lutein the way it makes other nutrients. It can only be obtained from the foods you eat. Studies have shown that the amount of lutein in the macula can be changed based on the level of lutein supplied in the diet. Dark-green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are some of the highest lutein-containing foods. Foods with smaller amounts of lutein include broccoli, corn, romaine lettuce, peas, zucchini, oranges and tangerines.
Studies suggest lutein is important because it helps support eye health. Future studies should reveal more about this vital substance. The Food and Nutrition Board agrees that lutein is an important food component, but would like to see more studies before establishing a recommendation for daily intake. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans do recommend eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, dark-green leafy vegetables and orange fruits and vegetables, because they are especially rich in many nutrients, including lutein.
Scientists all agree: Lutein is an antioxidant that may help protect cells from damage and has the ability to filter some of the damaging light from the sun. We know that lutein is present in both the lens and the macular region of the eye - that is, the eye tissues responsible for central vision. Lutein is the antioxidant that forms the yellow pigment in the retina of the eye, where it has the ability to filter out some of the damaging light from the sun. In a sense, lutein acts like built-in sunglasses!
Your body does not make lutein the way it makes other nutrients. It can only be obtained from the foods you eat. Studies have shown that the amount of lutein in the macula can be changed based on the level of lutein supplied in the diet. Dark-green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are some of the highest lutein-containing foods. Foods with smaller amounts of lutein include broccoli, corn, romaine lettuce, peas, zucchini, oranges and tangerines.
Studies suggest lutein is important because it helps support eye health. Future studies should reveal more about this vital substance. The Food and Nutrition Board agrees that lutein is an important food component, but would like to see more studies before establishing a recommendation for daily intake. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans do recommend eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, dark-green leafy vegetables and orange fruits and vegetables, because they are especially rich in many nutrients, including lutein.