Lutein - What is It?

Lutein is an essential part of our eyes. It is theThe problem is, though these vegetables are high
main component of the retina and plays a majorin all kinds of nutrients, the taste quotient is very
role in our eyes' ability to form clear and crisplow in them. That is why most people do not eat
images.them in a regular manner, despite being aware of
As we age, our eyes begin to lose focus. Sometheir health benefits.
people even begin to have blind spots in theirThe solution might be to take a nutritional
central vision. This is happens due to thesupplement. As these supplements are chock full
deterioration of the macula in our eyes, which isof essential nutrients, just a couple of capsules a
otherwise known as Age-related Maculaday might be enough to provide all the health
Degeneration, or AMD.benefits of these nutrients. No need to load your
Lutein and Zeaxanthin (which forms the centralplate half-heartedly with green vegetables when
part of the retina) have been found to be veryyour heart is set on that delicious steak!
effective in preventing AMD and cataracts. It alsoA word of caution here - supplements are meant
protects our eyes from the high energy blue lightto do exactly what their name suggests -
from the sun rays.supplement your diet with necessary nutrients.
There are many other benefits of this nutrient. ItThey should always be combined with a balanced
is a strong antioxidant and protects the body cellsdiet to get the maximum health benefits.
from free radical damage. As free radicals play aThe best part is, a good supplement will contain
significant role in causing cancer, lutein doubles upother natural ingredients which work well in
as an anti-cancer agent too.synergy with each other. For example if lutein is
A study in China has shown that it can protectcombined with zeaxanthin and zinc, together they
our eyes from the damage caused by long termprovide much more protection against AMD.
exposure to a computer screen.In conclusion, look out for a nutritional supplement
The most common sources of lutein are greenthat provides your body with lutein and other
leafy vegetables like spinach, cabbage, kale, greennatural ingredients. It may be the best decision
peas and broccoli. It is also found in egg yolk andyou take for your eyes.
animal fats.