Lutein Facts

Aside from the brain, the eyes are also considered as the most complex part of the body. It is composed of more than 2 million working parts and can process 36,000 bits of info every hour. The eyes are precious sense organs. Without the sense of seeing, there is no light, only darkness.

Lutein benefits for the eyes

Studies reveal that Lutein prevents blindness by guarding the eyes from AMD or age-related macular degeneration. It also decreases the risk of cataracts.

Lutein is a pigment that helps protect the eyes. It can be found in the areas of the retina’s light receptor- particularly in the macula where the most possible damage of blue light can occur.

Blue light is the wave length within the visible spectrum of light. It is present in varying degrees or intensity in all visible light sources. When the eyes are exposed for too much blue light, a chemical reaction takes place in the eye’s retina.

With this Lutein works in two ways- it acts as a filter against the harmful blue light and combats the free radical in the eye as an anti-oxidant. Excessive exposure to blue light can lead to formation of free radicals which can harm the eyes. Lutein prevents these radicals from storing and from causing irreversible damage to the eyes.

Sources

Lutein can be found in food- vegetables and fruits in particular, although eggs are also good sources of Lutein. Other food sources include papaya, orange, kale, spinach, garden peas, zucchini, brussels sprouts, pistachio nuts, broccoli, corn, kiwifruit, turnip greens, romaine lettuce, collard greens etc.

Lutein can be available as a sublingual spray for old people with poor digestion. It can be found in fortified foods and as dietary supplements with positive effects at intake levels of 6–10 mg/day. As of now, the only known side effect of excess Lutein consumption is carotenodermia or the bronzing color of the skin.

Vitamin A is not safe for the eyes

Vitamin A has been known to be the most efficient supplement for the eyes. On the contrary, excessive vitamin A may damage the optic nerve. It may cause increased intracranial pressure and papilledema.

Take care of your eyes

As Anonymous had quoted, ‘I heard’ is not as good as ‘I saw’. Individuals who were born blind may be unfortunate not to see the beauty of the world, but to lose such sense is a greater waste. The eyes are wonderful gift, take care of these. Take supplements if necessary but eat more of the natural sources like fruits and vegetables. Real, nutritious foods are the best sources of Lutein.

© Phoenix Montoya @ February 24, 2011

*This article is also published at Triond under the pen name of the author - Phoenix Montoya.