Lutein and Zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidants used both in the retina and lens of the eyes. They help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, and also act as filters for our eyes helping to protect them against sun damage (they filter out blue light from the sun).
Zeaxanthin predominates at the macula lutea (an oval-shaped highly pigmented yellow spot near the center of the retina) while lutein predominates elsewhere in the retina.
Just supplementing for example with 6 mg of lutein per day can reduce the likelihood of onset of macular degeneration by 57%, as reported in one study done by Dr. Johanna Seddon. Both lutein and zeaxanthin are essential nutrients in helping protect vision as well for those with macular degeneration.
A 2007 study showed that women who got the most lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E were 18% less likely to get cataracts. Archives of Ophthalmology (Arch. Ophthalmol. 2008;126:102-9) gathered from the Women Health Study.
Lutein is a xanthophyll and one of 600 known naturally-occurring carotenoids. Rich food sources of zeaxanthin and lutein include dark, leafy greens (like turnip greens, collard greens, kale, spinach and romaine lettuce), as well as broccoli, corn, Brussels sprouts, zucchini and peas. Orange peppers contain the highest amounts of zeaxanthin. Eggs are a good source of lutein as well.
For more related information, go to http://www.naturaleyecare.com
Other Health Conditions
Allergies & Sensitivities
Alzheimer's Disease
Anemia (Iron Deficiency)
Atherosclerosis
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Bladder Infection (UTI)
Celiac Disease
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Colds and Flu
Crohn's Disease
Diabetes Mellitus
Electromagnetic Pollution (EMF)
Enlarged Prostrate
Gout
Hay Fever
High Cholesterol
Hypertension
Hypothyroidism
Indigestion
Male Infertility
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ulcers (Peptic Ulcers)
People who develop presbyopia (from the Latin, meaning "old eyes") have difficulty focusing on close objects because the crystalline lens of the eye loses its flexibility. Though it may seem to happen suddenly, this change in vision takes place over many years. Signs of presbyopia include the tendency to hold reading materials at arm's length, blurred vision at normal reading distance, and eye fatigue along with headaches when doing close work.
The American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) is aiming help patients and the public better understand presbyopia. They have introduced the new term "Age-Related Focus Dysfunction" to "medicalize" the condition. The ASCRS has a very different perspective on eye health than we do at Natural Eye Care, and while they seek to educate the public about surgical options for dealing with "short arm syndrome," we would emphasize the ways in which healthy lifestyle and diet choices can keep eye young and flexible.
To combat presbyopia, we recommend A combination of visual therapy, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to help help slow down the progression of farsighted vision and possibly even improve vision. Certain nutrients including lutein, zeaxanthin, vinpocetine, l-lysine can be very helpful.
About the Author
Michael Edson is the other co-founder of NaturalEyeCare Michael is a New York State Licensed acupuncturist and co-author of Natural Eye Care: A Comprehensive Manual for Practitioners of Oriental Medicine and Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision. His hobbies include the practice of Qi Gong, traveling, hiking, tennis, golf, movies, reading and chess.
No comments:
Post a Comment