Health Center - Zeaxanthin And Lutein For Eye Health

As a well-known carotenoid, zeaxanthin can be found in the macula, usually accompanied by lutein. In fact, lutein is believed to be less effective without zeaxanthin. Some daily foods contain plentiful of these two nutrients.

Zeaxanthin and lutein can fight off the free radicals caused by harmful rays and medications. The common eye disease age-related macular degeneration is exactly caused by these harmful radicals.

The two nutrients always appear together because they are cooperative. Zeaxanthin can repair and protect the cones in the macula and lutein ensures the well being of the rods which constitute the periphery of the retina. In addition, rods and cones work together and ensure good eyesight. In this case, eyesight may deteriorate if one of the two nutrients goes bad.

Zeaxanthin can be easily found in corn, pepper, saffron as well as other plants. And saffron maintains its characteristic taste and aroma through zeaxanthin. In addition, green leafy vegetables also contain plentiful of zeaxanthin and lutein, so that ordinary people are highly encouraged to eat a diet rich in green vegetables.

Studies show that natural sources of zeaxanthin are always better than those supplement pills. But zeaxanthin and lutein from these natural sources need a long period to build up vital reserves. In an emergency situation, supplements containing zeaxanthin and lutein can offer immediate help. Whats more, some people do not eat healthy foods. For those individuals, supplement pills are especially needed.

Most nutrient experts set the dosage of each zeaxanthin and lutein at about 24 mg each day. With proper dosage, central vision and color perception can be improved.

There are still other nutrients that are indicated to improve eye health, such as vitamin B12 and B2, I-carnosine, anthocyanins, beta-carotene and glucosamine.

Health Center - Nutrients Preventing Macular Degeneration

Some experts suggest that dietary changes are the most practical and cost effective method to fight against progression of age-related macular degeneration. Human body including the eyes needs building blocks to build and repair cells. And these building blocks mainly come from daily foods.

To some extent, the eye health reflects the health of ones entire body. For instance, one person with weak blood vessels, degeneration and blockage in the eyes always has the same processes in the rest of the body as well. In similar, nutrients benefiting the eyes will also benefit the whole body at the same time.

Nutrients that benefit macula include antioxidants, omega-3 essential fatty acids, and lutein and so on. These substances can be attained from either a healthy diet or various supplements.

Free radicals are the main cause of risk factors of age-related macular degeneration. Macular degeneration antioxidants are proven to be effective in preventing AMD. In fact, many researches have reported that antioxidants can combat radical damage to the macula and the macular pigment. Over the years, most of the researches on ocular health have focused on antioxidants and results have also found that antioxidants come from various sources, including fruits, vegetables, nuts as well as legumes.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids in proper amount are necessary for eye health that they are believed to reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration. Health-conscious people should take foods that contain appropriate amount of this acid. The right ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 should be 3:1.

A macular degeneration diet contains powerful nutrients for healthy eyes and a healthy macula. Sugar and refined foods should be avoided. Healthy carbohydrates that are low in the glycemic index are encouraged, including whole grains, brown rice and whole wheat pasta. In addition, healthy fats include wild caught salmon, flax seed oil and olive oil.

Vitamins and supplements have become a good alternative to a healthy diet in maintaining good eye health, which has been proven by plenty of studies. It is important to take appropriate supplements brand and amount.

As carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin make up the macular pigment, which prevents UV light and blue light from damaging the eyes. AMD patients usually have a low density of macular pigment. Studies show that eating foods rich in lutein or supplements with lutein can increase the density of macular pigment.