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Resources: Nutrition & Vision: Bright Eyes and Beyond: The Joys of Lutein

More and more folks are coming to realize that lutein, a nutrient which lends its yellow hue to corn and egg yolks, is vital to human health.In one consumer survey, more than 60% of the people who responded were aware of lutein's existence, a 22% increase in two years.

Lutein and its sidekick, zeaxanthin, are carotenoids best known for helping to protect eyes from slight-dimming disorders that become more problematic as people age.But now scientists are looking into how this dynamic duo may play a role in everything from heart health to brain function.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are both antioxidants, substances that keep rogue molecules called free radicals from damaging cells and tissues.In addition to yellow hued foods, they are also found in leafy green vegetables, such as spinach.

Quite an Eyeful

Two of the most common - and disabling - eye problems are cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which together threaten the vision of millions of Americans annually (In fact, one study shows a dramatic increase in eye disorders related to aging over the past eight years).Scientists believe the sun's ultraviolet radiation is the main culprit.

The retina at the back of the eye, particularly the central,degeneration prone portion called the macula, contains a considerable concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin.They are also found in lesser amounts, in the eye's lens (the part affected by cataracts).It's thought that these nutrients act as internal sunglasses, mopping up free radicals and absorbing the sun's damaging rays.

Unfortunately, a lot of Americans don't eat enough spinach or other leafy greens to get enough lutein for adequate eye defense.The good news:Supplements do increase the amount of protective pigment within the macula

Antioxidants to the Rescue

Just as water doesn't move freely through pipes narrowed by mineral deposits, blood can't circulate the way it should though blood vessels narrowed by atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.This condition starts when LDL cholesterol gathers on artery walls, where it is oxidized (a sort of internal rusting process) by free radicals.Poor circulation and other health harming processes can also cause cognition problems as people age.And again, low lutein has been found in older people suffering from decreases in brain function.Lutein's antioxidant powers may even help protect the skin you're in from sun damage and cancer.

So if you want to update your antioxidant arsenal, look into the powers of lutein.

Excerpts from:Energy Times, April 2004, Page 50