Lutein, a natural antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables, is known to help maintain eye health and reduce the risk of macular degeneration. It can be obtained from various foods, including egg yolks, and supplements are also available. No established daily requirement exists, and research on its benefits is ongoing.
Lutein is a natural antioxidant found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Classified as a carotenoid, this nutrient has a reputation for helping your eyes function properly, both in terms of overall health and their ability to process blue light. This antioxidant can be found in a number of different foods, especially dark green leafy vegetables such as kale and kale.
One of the major claims about the medicinal properties of lutein is that the carotenoid helps reduce the chance of developing macular degeneration. Because a fair amount of the nutrient is stored in the eye, it is thought to have a direct impact on the condition of the macula, the portion of the retina that determines the quality of central vision. There is also some evidence that lutein helps protect the eyes from free radicals, thus minimizing the damage caused by the sun’s rays.
Along with fruits and vegetables, it is also possible to obtain lutein from various types of animal fats. Egg yolks are a particularly good source for the antioxidant, although the cholesterol content of the yolks sometimes inhibits utilization of this resource. Consuming fruits like kiwis and grapes along with turnip greens and similar greens is generally considered a better option.
It is also possible to use lutein supplements as a means of increasing the amount of antioxidants in the body. In some cases, the lutein supplement is combined with other vitamins and thiamin to promote eye health. Vitamins combined with lutein are offered for sale in most health food stores and vitamin stores. Herb stores sometimes carry natural herbal blends that also contain significant amounts of antioxidants in the blend of ingredients.
At present, there is no established universal minimum daily requirement for lutein consumption. Some herbalists and alternative practitioners recommend six milligrams per day as a maintenance dose, with larger doses used to treat tired eyes. When larger doses are consumed on a regular basis, there is a chance for the skin to take on a slight bronze tone, a side effect that many people would consider a benefit.
Tests on lutein and the role played by the antioxidant in eye maintenance continue. Along with some findings indicating that the carotenoid helps prevent macular degeneration, some research indicates that the substance may also help with blurred vision and sensitivity to various types of light. However, it should be noted that no research findings from any study are accepted throughout the medical community. This means that some doctors may recommend using one supplement product while others will employ different treatments for various eye problems.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
