| Lutein | |||||
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Lutein is a carotenoid compound which is found in dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, kale, sorrel), plus in various fruits and corn and also in high amounts in egg yolks.
Lutein is a potent antioxidant, which scavenges for free radicals to prevent them damaging the eyes and causing health problems for the eyes.
Lutein is also present in the eye in the very back of the retina, in a small area called the macular area.
- Lutein is a xanthophyll phytochemical
- Lutein is used as a natural food colourant due to its orange-red color
- Lutein absorbs blue light, so it appears yellow at low concentrations and orange-red at high concentrations.
Various studies have shown that eating foods high in lutein is beneficial for eye health and reduces the risk for macular degeneration (age-related) or otherwise and also for cataracts.
In 1994, a National Eye Institute (NEI) study showed that consumption of foods rich in carotenoids - specifically leafy green vegetables such as collard greens, kale, and spinach was associated with a reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.
references
- Marieb EM, Hoehn K. Human Anatomy & Physiology. 7th edition, 2006. Benjamin Cummings Publishing
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. 7th Edition, 2005. Brooks Cole Publishing
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
To learn more, go to the the following web sites:
- Egg Nutrition Advisory Group (Australia) - PDF
- National Eye Institute (USA)
