Foods High In Lutein - and Why They May Not Be Enough |
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Lutein has recently become quite popular among people who care about their health. There is good reason for it too. In this article we will take a look at what it really is, why is it good for us, what are the foods high in lutein, and why they actually may not be enough to get all the health benefits you need. What it is Lutein is a carotenoid found in green leafy vegetables. It is also the main component of the outer part of our eyes' retina. It is responsible for the clarity and acuity of our vision. Foods high in lutein can help maintain this to a certain extent. As our eyes age, the macula in it becomes to deteriorate. Symptoms like blind spots and blurry vision begin to appear in some people. This is known as age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. How it helps Studies have shown that people with a higher intake of lutein and zeaxanthin (a carotenoid that forms the central retina) have significantly less chances of developing AMD and cataracts. It can also work as an anti-cancer agent as it has been known to resist breast cancer and colon cancer. Foods with lutein Foods high in lutein primarily include green vegetables like green peas, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, brussels sprouts, kale, turnip greens, collard greens, romain lettuce and zucchini. Corn and egg yolk are also rich in this nutrient. Aren't they enough? Though these food sources do contain lutein, the fact is most people do not consume enough of these foods as a regular part of their diet. Though they are healthy, these foods do lag behind on the taste quotient. Let's face it, not everyone will be able to resist a tempting steak or even a cheeseburger in favor of a plate of broccoli! This is the reason most people get about 2-3 mg of lutein daily in their diet, whereas the required amount is actually around 20-30 mg. The solution The really feasible alternative is to take a nutritional supplement that provides you with an adequate quantity of this nutrient (minimum 20-30 mg). The added benefit with supplements is they contain additional nutrients which can enhance their effectiveness many times over. For example lutein when taken with zeaxanthin, becomes much more effective at preventing AMD. Bilberry extract contains powerful eye-specific anti oxidants, and can work wonders for our vison. Now that you are armed with knowledge, you can now combine foods high in lutein with an effective supplement, and protect your precious eyes against degeneration. |
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