Why lutein and zeaxanthin are giving new meaning and purpose to eating your fruits and vegetables

Remember when your were a kid and your mother would always tell you to eat your spinach and peas? As we grow up and become adults we come to understand fruits and veggies really are good for us. Turns out they just happen to be packed with lots of essential nutrient vitamins and minerals. If you've never had a compelling reason in the past to consume fruits and vegetables then Lutein and zeaxanthin just might give you all the reason you need.  They are found in the liver, ovaries, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, testes, adrenals and eye tissues. Both are closely related and tend to work together more effectively than either one could by itself.  Fruits and vegetables are the most important sources, however, highest concentrations are found in egg yolk and corn. Research suggests that 6 to 20 mg of lutein per day are needed for ideal health. It would be difficult to obtain sufficient quantities of these essential carotenoids from foods alone which makes supplementation necessary.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants and as such help reduce the harmful effects that free radicals inflict on various parts of the body. Free radicals play a part in many harmful diseases and often causes the body to age much quicker than nature would have otherwise intended. For this reason it is very important to reduce free radicals in the body through natural means.

Classified as xanthophyll carotenoids, they are increasing in popularity and it's understandable why. These carotenoids are providing proven protection against atherosclerosis and reducing the risk of some cancers. Researchers are finding that these carotenoids, which occur naturally in the retina, maintain the structure of the macula thus helping to protect against macular degeneration and age related cataracts. The macula is the central area of the retina and is susceptible to forms of light that are harmful to the eye. Lutein and zeaxanthin filters out potentially phototoxic blue light and near-ultraviolet radiation from the macula. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness among the elderly.

Recent studies suggest that oral supplementation may protect the skin from UV-B radiation by reducing DNA damage and inflammatory effects. Lutein may also be linked to reducing the thickening of arterial walls.

Learn more about multivitamin supplements and their health benefits in the treatment of diseases and ailments like macular degeneration, cataracts and cancer.