Lutein

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Lutein (LOO-teen) is a nutrient found in vegetables, particularly in dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. It is also present in corn and egg yolks.

Lutein contains carotenoids, which have shown beneficial effects in reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease and eye disease, and in enhancing the body's immune response.

Lutein and Cataracts

Lutein is the carotenoid found most abundantly in the eye and 58 percent of eye doctors surveyed believe that lutein is the nutrient that best supports long term eye health.

Women who consume more lutein (and its cousin, zeaxanthin) have a lower risk of cataracts. Researchers tracked more than 35,000 women who were enrolled in the Women's Health Study. Those who consumed the most lutein and zeaxanthin (they averaged 6,700 micrograms a day) had an 18 percent lower risk of cataracts over the next 10 years than those who consumed the least.

Why is lutein important in our diet?

Simply put, lutein is an antioxidant that appears to quench or reduce harmful free radicals in various parts of the body. Free radicals can play a role in a variety of chronic diseases.

Because the body is unable to naturally manufacture lutein, humans rely on their consumption of lutein rich foods or lutein supplements to maintain optimal levels of lutein.

The major dietary sources of lutein in are spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, oranges and orange juice, carrots, celery, and greens. Data suggest that incorporating these foods into the diet may help reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.

How much lutein do we need? Research suggests a minimum of 6 to 10 mg per day of lutein from dark green leafy vegetables and other sources is necessary to realize lutein's health benefits. Even if you eat a balanced diet, you'd need a large bowl of fresh spinach to get about 6 mg of lutein. Most Americans just don't consume enough foods rich in lutein.

Lutein is widely available in a variety of nutritional supplements and fortified foods and beverages for people wanting to supplement their dietary intake of lutein, making their diet even better for their eyes and skin.

Lutein Supplements

Lutein Eyes and Vision Support Doctor Approved. Vitabase uses FloraGLO™ lutein extract in Lutein Plus, because it is the highest quality lutein on the market. FloraGLO™ brand Lutein is purified from marigold extract using patented processes so consumers can be certain supplements containing FloraGLO� brand Lutein contain the same lutein found in nature.
Purified Lutein by Natrol -- Natrol® Purified Lutein, with patented FloraGLO, delivers free lutein, not lutein esters, so you get lutein that is chemically identical to the lutein found naturally in foods like spinach, kale, broccoli and eggs -- the kind your body is used to.
Vision Support For Maintaining Healthy Eyes -- Doctor Approved. Vitamin A (beta carotene), lutein and lycopene all belong to a group of chemicals called carotenoids. If you, or someone you love, are concerned about eye health, Vitabase Vision Support can be an important addition to your diet. Our complete supplement will provide you with all the necessary nutrients for supporting good eye health.

See also: Your Eyes and Your Health at our sister site, Fitness and Freebies.

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