Lutein Supplements
The many benefits of lutein supplements have made lutein a popular topic. Lutein supplements contain a carotenoid, found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, such as mangoes, kale, carrots and sweet potatoes. It is one of the major carotenoids in the Asian diet, but sadly lacking in the American diet. Lutein is used by organisms as an antioxidant and for blue light absorption. It is found in an area of the eye, called the macula. Lutein is believed to protect the eyes by acting as a filter against damaging free radicals. Though found in the macula, lutein is not naturally produced by the body and must be ingested from food and or lutein supplements. There is evidence that nutritional lutein provides protection from cataracts and macular degeneration. Macular Degeneration is one of the most common causes of blindness in the elderly population Lutein and Eyesight In a twelve month study conducted by the US Government’s Veteran Affairs Department the effect of lutein alone or lutein combined with other carotenoids and antioxidants was studied. The Lutein Antioxidant Supplement Trial, (LAST) demonstrated that either alone or with other antioxidants key visual function in patients with Age Related Macular Disease (ARMD) was significantly improved Even in the absence of vision problems, lutein could be an important component in protecting your sight. People have reported that after increasing their lutein intake through foods and or lutein supplements their vision seemed to improve. They noticed shaper vision, improved color vision and less glare. Lutein and Heart Health Lutein may also play a role in fighting heart disease. Researchers at the Keck School of Medicine, of the University of Southern California and The UCLA School of Medicine conducted a study which examined lutein’s role in cardiovascular health. The study was performed in three parts. The relationship between lutein consumption and thickness of the artery walls was examined; researchers exposed human cells to combinations of lutein and bad cholesterol; and mice were used to examine the impact of adding lutein to the diet on atherosclerotic lesions. The study results suggest that lutein can have a positive impact on heart health. The study revealed that participants with the highest levels of lutein had the least amount of thickening in their artery walls; the cells treated with lutein appeared more protected against inflammation that leads to plaque buildup in the arteries and the mice that had lutein added to their diet had smaller atherosclerotic lesions than mice that did not receive lutein supplements. Lutein and Cancer Angiogenesis, or the growth of blood vessels is the body’s natural process for reproducing and healing injured tissues. Cancer cells create their own private blood supply by taking control of the body’s angiogenesis process. Lutein may have an important role in preventing this process. Drs. Chew, et al, of Washington State University conducted a study which looked at the role of lutein in preventing tumor growth. The study was performed using mice. The outcomes determined that small doses of lutein inhibited angiogenesis. Further, the mice that received lutein supplements also had a higher incidence of apoptosis (programmed cell death). A High Quality Lutein Supplement Not all supplements contain what they promise on the label. It is a scandal. Look for standardized extracts from a company that delivers what they claim to. After researching the market, we here at
Quality-Nutritional-Supplements have been personally taking a
balanced daily formula called Total Balance that includes lutein
so we get some every single day without having to think
about it or spend extra money on it. We also take their
excellent pure fish oil and other high quality
products with very good results. When we take these high
quality nutritional supplements we enjoy an overall feeling
of vibrant, healthy well being. |