Overview :
Lutein is one of two xanthophyll present in the eye (zeazanthin is other one ) ,
and one of six hundred known naturally occurring, carotenoids . Lutein came from
Latin "luteus " meaning yellow. It is synthesized only by plants and like other
xanthophylls mostly it is found in green leafy vegetables, carrots and colorful
fruits. Lutein is isomer of zeaxanthin , both of these xanthophyls play their
important role in xanthophyll cycle in green plants during photosynthesis and in
human eye both of these act as antioxidants.
Animals obtain lutein by ingesting plants. In the human retina, lutein is
absorbed from blood specifically into the macula lutea, although its precise
role in the body is unknown. Lutein is also found in egg yolks and animal fats.
Benefits Of Lutein :
1. Benefits to eye health:Like most of carotenoids Luteine has also very
positive effect on eye health. Along with zeaxanthin. lutein filters harmful
high-energy, blue wavelengths of light and help protect and maintain healthy
cells in the eyes. Out of the 600 carotenoids found in nature, only these two
are deposited in high quantities in the retina (macula) of the eye. The amount
of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macular region of the retina is measured as
macular pigment optical density (MPOD). Recently, MPOD has become a useful
biomarker for predicting disease and visual function.Lutein and
Cataracts:Oxidation of the lens of eye ( lens collects and focuses light on the
retina) is major cause of cataracts which clouds the lens Being antioxidant
nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin neutralize free radicals that are associated
with oxidation of lens structures and retinal demage. This is why lutein and
zeaxanthin play vital role in preventing cataracts.Lutein reduces risk of AMD
(Age related macular degeneration ):Many studies have shown that lutein and
zeaxanthin improve visual performance in AMD patients,Age-related macular
degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that can blur the sharp, central vision you
need for activities like reading and driving. “Age-related” means that it often
happens in older people. “Macular” means it affects a part of your eye called
the macula
2. Cognitive Function:Cognitive function is a broad term that refers to mental
processes involved in the acquisition of knowledge, manipulation of information,
and reasoning. Cognitive functions include the domains of perception, memory,
learning, attention, decision making, and language abilities. Lutein is
considered to have a significant role in preserving neural efficiency.
Researchers suggest lutein to slow down age-related cognitive decline and to
recover damaged cognitive functions. Many researches in this regard are
supporting a beneficial role of lutein on brain tissue and the importance of
treatments for cognitive disorders.
3. Cardiovascular Health:Many studies in humans have provided evidence for a
beneficial role of lutein in lowering the blood concentrations of inflammatory
cytokines, while favoring the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines
Researchers have also claimed lutein enriched foods or supplement may decrease
the levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL). Other factors influencing
atherosclerosis and CV risk, like lipid peroxidation and C-reactive protein
serum concentrations, were shown to be reduced following lutein enriched diet or
lutein supplementation.
4. Cancer Risk:After many studies and researches, fresh fruits and vegetables
enriched with lutein like other antioxidants are considered as protective
factors against cancers.
5. Lungs, Liver and Bone health:Following number of studies lutien is also
consider aid to lungs, liver and bone health.
Following are good dietary sources of Lutien :
• Paprika
• Spinach
• Carrot
• Turnip greens
• Peppers
• Herbs
• Kale
• Basil
• Mustard leaves
• Corns
• Green peas
• Tomatoes
• Oranges
• Melons
• Mangoes
• Egg yolk