Lutein and Xeaxanthin: The Nutritional Connection To Better Eye Sight

There are some foods and supplements containing important ingredients for better vision. These "ingredients" include lutein and zeaxanthin. Let us look at these compounds more and discover how they and other nutritional components can help improve your vision.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin: What They Are And How They Work
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two compounds often referred to as xanthophylls. Right now it seems like we are speaking a foreign language, right? That is ok. Xanthophylls or nothing more than substances called "carotenoids." These are important ingredients linked with beta-carotene. You know, the stuff that makes carrots and yams orange.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are substances adding a yellow instead of orange color to fruits, vegetables and plants. Think about yellow peppers for a moment. They are jam-packed full of these important vitamins.

More Than Just Vitamins And Minerals
Lutein and zeaxanthin are more than simple compounds, and they do a great deal for your body. These two important ingredients help protect our eyes from damage, especially damage incurred by free radicals. In this respect you may consider lutein and zeaxanthin free radical busters, or potent antioxidants that help counter the effects of aging and exposure to free radicals.

Over time free radical damage can reduce your vision and result in various consequences. Fortunately by incorporating more lutein and zeaxanthin into your diet you can help counter these effects.

Eating More Lutein And Zeaxanthin
So now that you know how important these free radical busters are to your diet, how do you make sure you are getting enough in your diet?

Most people do not get enough antioxidants in their diet. Lack of these important nutrients however, can lead to various negative consequences, including an increased risk for cataracts or macular degeneration.

One of the simplest ways to enjoy more lutein and zeaxanthin in your diet is simply by eating more fruits and vegetables.

Fruits and vegetables yellow in color or orange in color are especially good for you, because they contain antioxidants including beta-carotene, vitamin E, zinc and a host of other helpful and vision saving ingredients.

If you are not a fan of fruits and veggies, there are some lutein supplements available that may help protect your eyes similarly.

What Does Your Doctor Think Of Lutein And Zeaxanthin?
Will simply eating more fruits and vegetables really improve your eye health? The answer is maybe. Studies do suggest lutein and zeaxanthin are very important for maintaining your eye's health. However, the National Eye Institute has stated there isn't hard evidence that can prove without a doubt these substances will reduce your risk for macular degeneration, cataracts and related eye diseases.

However, there is plenty of evidence these substances are related to improving your overall health and well-being, and ultimately this will likely improve your vision. Your best bet is always to eat as best you can and include multiple servings of fruit and vegetables in your diet.

If nothing else, you may reduce your risk of certain diseases, but you will definitely improve the quality of your life and the overall health of your body.

If you are one of those people that can't stand the idea of eating fruits and vegetables, try a good multi-vitamin supplement or one containing high quality lutein and zeaxanthin.

Just remember to always talk with your doctor if you have any health conditions that may compromise your health and well-being. The simplest way to get what you need is through your diet. Your doctor however, can work with you to provide you with ample information about your overall quality of life and help you decide what steps are best for improving your vision.

Foods High In Lutein and Zeaxanthin
For the most part, foods that are dark yellow and orange provide the most beneficial vitamins for improving vision. You will also benefit however, from eating plenty of dark, leafy greens. Here are some examples of fruits and vegetables high in lutein and zeaxanthin.

• Squash
• Yellow Peppers
• Eggs
• Peaches
• Carrots
• Sweet Potatoes
• Pumpkin

Additional Resources:

• Flax Seeds and Your Eyes
• Fish Oil For Your Eyes - The benefits of fish oil!
• Does Listening To Mozart Improve Your Vision?

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