| Zeaxanthin is one member of a family of | | | | the eyes, this is particularly vital. |
| compounds called carotenoids which give yellow | | | | For the most part, zeaxanthin can be obtained by |
| and orange vegetables like carrots their color. | | | | eating dark, green, leafy vegetables such as kale, |
| Aside from providing pigment in foods, | | | | some kinds of lettuce, and beet greens. Eggs and |
| carotenoids also help to protect the lens and | | | | yellow and orange fruits and vegetables are also a |
| retina of the eyes, making them an essential part | | | | good source of carotenoids. Squash, peaches, |
| of any regular diet. | | | | sweet potatoes and carrots all contain a healthy |
| Like the rest of our body, the eyes are | | | | amount of carotenoids, which is why they have |
| susceptible to degeneration and damage over | | | | come to be commonly referred to as "food for |
| time. As we age, the build up of free radicals in | | | | the eyes". |
| our bodies can lead to the breakdown of healthy | | | | While it is possible to get the required amount of |
| tissue in the eye, leading to various sight related | | | | carotenoids in your daily diet, the amount of |
| issues including macular degeneration. Age-related | | | | servings necessary to do so can be a bit daunting |
| macular degeneration, or AMD, is by far the most | | | | for some people. In most cases, at least five to |
| common cause of vision loss among the elderly. | | | | nine servings a day of dark green, yellow and |
| In individuals with AMD, the photoreceptors in the | | | | orange vegetables and fruits would be necessary |
| eyes, which allow for the absorption of blue light, | | | | to get the full requirement. Fortunately, it is now |
| no longer function properly. Tissue destruction can | | | | possible to boost your daily level of carotenoids |
| also lead to weakening and leaking of the blood | | | | and other helpful compounds through the use of a |
| vessels. All of this can result in significant vision | | | | complex daily supplement. |
| impairment, making ordinary activities like reading | | | | A range of natural supplements now exist which |
| and driving impossible. In recent years, studies | | | | contain zeaxanthin and other anti-oxidants, along |
| have shown that the presence of zeaxanthin can | | | | with a host of vitamins, minerals and other |
| have a significant influence on the prevention of | | | | healthful substances which can bolster your |
| AMD and other age related vision problems. | | | | regular diet and keep your body functioning at |
| What makes carotenoids so important to | | | | optimal strength for as long as possible. |
| maintaining good eye health is their ant-oxidant | | | | If you are genetically at risk for developing AMD, |
| properties. Like any other anti-oxidants, they help | | | | then taking a daily supplement containing |
| to rid the body of free radicals and other harmful | | | | zeaxanthin and other carotenoids is extremely |
| toxins which can build up over time and hamper | | | | important. Do your research and find a |
| proper body function. Getting the right amount of | | | | supplement which will work for you and you'll be |
| natural anti-oxidants in your every day diet can | | | | seeing your way to good health for years to |
| help to boost the immune system and improve | | | | come! |
| the function of the entire body. In the case of | | | | |