More than Meets the Eye
Lutein and zeaxanthin do more than give plants their pretty colors. These two compounds are found in large amounts in the lens and retina of our eyes.
Here they function as antioxidants to potentially help protect our eyes from damage caused by unstable atoms known as free radicals, which can interact with and break down healthy tissue.
Lutein and zeaxanthin may also help to protect our eyes by filtering high-energy blue light. By filtering blue light, the pigment protects underlying cell layers from potential light damage.
Adding Lutein and Zeaxanthin to Your Diet
These helpful xanthophylls might protect our eyes only if we obtain enough of them from our diets. Studies show that a diet that has sufficient amounts of lutein could help protect our eyes from damage in different ways, such as potentially helping prevent common eye diseases of macular degeneration and cataracts.
Studies also show that failing to get enough of those fruits and vegetables in our diets may place us at greater risk for developing macular degeneration and significant cataracts. Read full source article