Introduction
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are two carotenoids that are found in many fruits and vegetables. They possess a range of health benefits such as protecting the eyes from oxidative damage and improving overall health by providing antioxidants to the body. Additionally, they have been linked to reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cardiovascular disease, cataracts, and cancer. This article will discuss more https://goldhealth.co.nz/products/lutein-zeaxanthin-supplements/, their sources, benefits, side effects, and recommended dosage.
What are Lutein and Zeaxanthin?
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are two important carotenoid molecules that are found in high concentrations in the human eye, where they act as antioxidants. They are also present in other parts of the body, such as the skin, where they help protect against ultraviolet radiation.
Lutein is a yellow pigment found in many fruits and vegetables. It is often referred to as “the eye vitamin” because it is commonly used for its beneficial effects on vision health. In particular, lutein helps protect the macula from damage due to blue light exposure and protects against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Lutein also helps filter out damaging blue light from our environment by absorbing it before it reaches our eyes.
Zeaxanthin is another yellow pigment found primarily in green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach, but can also be found in other fruits and vegetables like corn, orange peppers, oranges, and egg yolks. Like lutein, zeaxanthin has strong antioxidant properties which help to protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by filtering harmful blue light from reaching the retina of the eye.
Health Benefits of Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are two vital carotenoids that have been gaining a lot of attention lately due to their potential health benefits. These compounds are found in high concentrations in the eyes and play an important role in protecting them from free radical damage and UV radiation. In addition, they may also have other therapeutic effects, such as reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the health benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin so you can decide if they’re right for you.
The most well-known benefit of lutein and zeaxanthin is their ability to protect your eyes from damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Studies show that these carotenoids absorb up to 90% of UV radiation before it reaches your retina, reducing the risk for conditions such as AMD or cataracts. Additionally, lutein has been found to reduce inflammation around the eye which helps promote healing after injury or surgery.
Sources of Lutein and Zeaxanthin
If you’re looking for surefire ways to protect your eyesight, then you should consider increasing your consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin. These two antioxidants are important components of the macular pigment in the human eye, which helps to protect from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The best way to get these valuable nutrients is through dietary sources.
Dark green leafy foods including collard greens, spinach, kale, and turnip greens are the most popular sources of lutein and zeaxanthin. These vegetables are packed with carotenoids that have powerful antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation in the eye tissue. Other good sources include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, egg yolks, and corn. For those who don’t eat enough fresh produce or need a supplemental source of these antioxidants, there are several options available.
Supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin can be found in many health food stores or online retailers such as Amazon or Thrive Market. Most supplements contain a combination of both lutein (10mg) and zeaxanthin (2mg), but some may be higher depending on the brand or manufacturer’s recommendations.
Recommended Dietary Intake of Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Two potent antioxidants found in nature, lutein and zeaxanthin, have been related to a number of health advantages, including eye health. These compounds, which occur naturally in a variety of fruits and vegetables, are known to protect the eyes from blue light and ultraviolet radiation damage. Lutein and zeaxanthin can also help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As such, many nutritionists recommend that people include these important nutrients in their diets.
The recommended dietary intake for lutein and zeaxanthin depends on a person’s age, gender, and overall health. In general, adults should aim for between 4-6 milligrams per day of these carotenoids. For children ages 1-3 years old, the daily recommendation is 2 milligrams; for children 4-8 years old it’s 3 milligrams; for those 9-13 years old it’s 4 milligrams; and for teens aged 14-18 it’s 5 milligrams per day.
Potential Side Effects of Excessive Intake of Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids that have recently become popular for their antioxidant properties. They are found in high concentrations in dark, leafy greens such as kale and spinach, as well as eggs, corn, and certain other fruits and vegetables. Recently there has been an increased interest in the potential health benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin supplements, but it’s important to know that too much of a good thing can be harmful. Here we discuss some potential side effects of excessive intake of lutein and zeaxanthin.
One potential side effect is an increase in cholesterol levels due to the high concentration of saturated fat in many lutein-zeaxanthin supplements. Some studies show that consuming too much lutein or zeaxanthin can lead to higher levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while lowering HDL (“good”) cholesterol. It is important to consult with your doctor before taking any supplement containing these compounds if you have a history of heart disease or high cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lutein and zeaxanthin are important carotenoids that have been proven to provide a variety of health benefits. They are especially beneficial for eye health, as they can help prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. They can also support healthy skin, heart health, cognitive function, and more. For these reasons, it is important to incorporate lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet through foods like dark leafy greens or through supplementation.