Natural Source of Lutein
Lutein is an antioxidant that belongs to the carotenoid family. Beta carotene is the most recognized carotenoid but there are actually more than 600 different carotenoids. Another example of a carotenoid with health promoting properties is astaxanthin. Lutein is yellow in color which like other carotenoids give certain vegetables like pumpkin and squash their colors of orange and yellow. Lutein is a fat soluble phytochemical and is best absorbed when eaten with fats.
Astaxanthin is another carotenoid with health benefits
Function of Lutein in plants
Lutein is responsible for the color of many fruits and veetables including zucchini, mustard, red peppers, spinash, kale, collard greens, leeks and many others. In plants lutein provides a photoprotective role that will quench free radicals that can be generated by UV light. It is also a critical player in chlorophyll function.
Health Benefits of Lutein
Eye protection – Lutein is an antioxidant that supports normal vision. The research literature supporting lutein in promoting eye health is well documented. Lutein works by concentrating in the central part of the retina known as the macula. Lutein has been reported to reduce the risk of age related vision loss. Lutein is useful for slowing or preventing age related macular degeneration.
Heart Health Lutein also reduces the risk of artery disease. Studies have reported that those with higher concentrations of lutein an artery will have the lowest degree of artery wall thickening. Another function of lutein is prevent oxidative damage of LDL cholesterol. This will lead to a reduce risk of an artery becoming constricted or blocked.
Skin Protection Lutein has been also reported to reduce the risk of skin cancer and sunburn. When our skin is exposed to sun free radicals are generated that cause oxidative stress. Free radicals will cause DNA damage. Lutein can act by preventing the damage caused by UV-B light.
Chemical information of Lutein
MW 568.87
Formula: C40 H52 O2
Color: yellow