Lutein and Zeaxanthin and Cardiovascular Health
Lutein and zeaxanthin inhibit lipid peroxidation, a likely factor in the etiology of both retinal and cardiovascular disease. The presence of adhesion molecules on endothelial cell surfaces is a marker of atherosclerosis pathogenesis. In vitro research has demonstrated lutein incubation with cultured endothelial cells effectively inhibits the expression of these adhesion molecules.
Other research has found lutein and zeaxanthin can inhibit thickening of the walls of carotid arteries and LDL-induced migration of monocytes to human artery cell walls. These are potential mechanisms for lutein's protective effect in cardiovascular disease. Read Source Article by Alternative Medicine Review