The Value of Lutein For Your Eyes

By: Darrell Miller

by {Guerrilla Futures | Jason Tester} under CC BY-ND  with wpseopix.com

Lutein For Your Eyes

.

Have you been hearing about Lutein lately, perhaps in advertisements and through conversations? Lutein is a yellow to orange plant pigment naturally found among fruits and vegetables. It is considered to be a carotenoid, a supplement that has a health value for your eyesight.

Carotenoid is necessary in the body because it is a precursor of vitamin A. Inside the body, carotenoid molecules are metabolized into vitamin A. Vitamin A is then used in the formation of retinaldehyde, which is the main component of rhodopsin. Why is that important?

Rhodopsin is a chemical that allows our eyes to react to and interpret light variations. Rhodopsin is stored in the rods and cones of the retina. These are the photoreceptors that make vision possible. When light strikes the rods and cones, a transient excitatory process of electrical energy is stimulated. This electrical impulse is sent to the occipital cortex in the brain traveling through the optic nerve. The impulse is then processed and thus perceived as vision.

An insufficient supply of vitamin A or any of its precursors may result to poor light adaptation and perception in low light areas or night blindness.

Lutein is related to beta-carotene and vitamin A. Like these compounds, lutein is also stored in the retinas of the eyes. Considered as a color pigment of the human eye, Lutein also filters light, thus protecting the delicate tissues of the eyes and also the skin from sunlight damage. If normal levels of lutein are maintained, it may lower the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration. It can also help prevent or slow down the progression of atherosclerosis which is one of the primary precipitating factors of cardiovascular diseases.

The richest sources of lutein are carrots, squashes, oranges, and other orange and yellow fruits and vegetables. Fortunately, foods rich in lutein are not only limited to yellow- or orange-colored fruits and vegetables. Other good sources also include broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, pepper, kiwi fruit, grapes, zucchini and other dark green leafy vegetables. Egg yolks are also great sources of lutein. Lutein is absorbed best when it is taken with a high-fat meal.

Research suggests that a minimum of 6-10 mg per day of lutein is required. But since lutein is available only in trace amounts in fruits and vegetables, even if you eat a balanced diet, you would need a large bowl of fresh spinach to get about 6 mg of lutein. Fortunately, Lutein is widely available in many nutritional supplements and fortified foods and beverages for individuals who want to supplement their dietary intake of lutein, making their diet even better for their eyes and skin.

There have been neither reported side effects of lutein nor any adverse health reports from interactions between lutein and medications. However, the safest step to take, to be aware about possible interactions between your medication and any supplements, is to seek medical opinion from a qualified healthcare provider before beginning lutein supplementation.

Lutein is available at your local or internet vitamin store in capsule, tablet, and chewable tablet forms. Look for it in quality brands like Solaray.

Article From Articles For All

Lutein For Sale

[phpbay]Lutein, 16, “”, “”[/phpbay]

The Value of Lutein For Your Eyes related articles from the blogosphere…

The Value of Lutein

The macula is the region of the retina responsible for central vision. It’s also the area that is most sensitive to blue light, the part of the visible light spectrum that, along with ultraviolet light, can damage your eyes. Lutein helps protect against this damage by filtering blue light before it can damage the macula. Lutein may also help protect against clogging of the carotid arteries in the neck, an indication of atherosclerosis, the disease that leads to most heart attacks.

Source: CONSUME LUTEIN: protects eyes, prevents clogging of arteries …

waxing-lasvegas.com4/12/12

You're born with a certain amount of lutein in your eye, but your body doesn't reproduce it. 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 …

Lutein benefit and side effects

Dr. Ray Sahelian talks about the benefits and side effects of the herbal supplement Lutein

Facts About Lutein and Zeaxanthin – Food Sources of Lutein and …

vitamins-minerals.knoji.com1/18/11

Facts about Lutein and Zeaxanthin – Food Sources of Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Lutein Macular Degeneration. Lutein for the Eyes. Health Benefits of Lutein. Zeaxanthin with Lutein. Lutein and AMD. Lutein and Zeaxanthin have many eye health …

Mezzmer Blog » The Importance of Lutein for Good Eye Health

www.mezzmer.com3/22/12

One of those nutrients is lutein. Now you may not have heard of lutein, but it should rank at the top of your list for eye health and here is why. Lutein is found in leafy green vegetables, particularly kale. Further, Lutein is also …

Lutein