What is lutein and zeaxanthin?

Are you tired of being told to eat your vegetables by every health magazine ever? Well, tough luck because we’ve got another one for you: lutein and zeaxanthin. If you haven’t heard of these two yet, don’t worry – they’re not as well-known as other nutrients like vitamin C or iron. But trust us when we say that they are just as important for your overall health! In this article, we’ll dive into what lutein and zeaxanthin are and why you should care about them.

Where do Lutein and Zeaxanthin Come From?

First things first: let’s talk about where these two compounds come from. Both lutein and zeaxanthin belong to a class of nutrients called carotenoids, which are found naturally in many fruits and vegetables (surprise!). Some good dietary sources of lutein include:

  • spinach
  • kale
  • broccoli
  • peas
  • egg yolks

On the other hand, some rich sources of zeaxanthin include:

  • corn
  • oranges
  • peppers
  • papayas

As with most vitamins or minerals our bodies need, consuming food high in luteins along with zexathans makes it easier for our intestines to absorb them during digestion.

Ok but…why should I Care About Them?

Glad you asked! While it may seem like any old nutrient could be labeled “essential” by health experts determined to ruin our fun dinner parties with nutrition facts, the truth is that there really are good reasons why people should make sure their diet includes plenty of carotenoids – especially luteins & zexathans!

They Promote Eye Health

Let’s get right down to brass tacks; the primary reason nutritionists want us to consume more of these compounds is because there’s growing evidence to suggest that they may be critical for optimal eye health. Researchers believe that lutein and zeaxanthin play a role in protecting the delicate tissues in our eyes from damage caused by exposure to harmful UV radiation or high-energy blue light.

According to some findings, consuming diets rich with luteins can also improve an individual’s performance on visual acuity tests; meaning individuals are much likely able to discern small differences between objects and colors. This benefit makes them very suitable for graphic designers whose jobs prioritize attention-to-detail.

They May Help Prevent Aging Issues

While most people primarily associate cataracts with aging, several other eye problems arise as we grow older like age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Studies indicate that groups including folks with higher intake of carotenoids had lower risks when it comes to developing AMD. The relationship hasn’t been researched extensively yet but all fingers point towards: consuming enough zexathans along with lutin decreased risk could lead us down new studies involving its relationship!!

But here’s another silver lining: according to research published by the International Journal of Molecular Sciences[ ^1 ], Lutein has shown promise in fending off age-related diseases beyond just impaired vision! Want younger looking skin? A healthier heart? Should probably hit up those carrots then, huh?

So…How Much Do You Need Exactly?

A big factor surrounding nutritional content isn’t always related directly recommended dose – simply having it in your diet regularly usually increases impact! That being said,Nevertheless, while there isn’t currently a consensus regarding how much someone should aim at getting each day,the American Optometric Association suggests adults age 19-64 take 10 milligrams of luteina long witha minimum daily combinedtotal number no less than 2mg/day dietary intake often mentioned when referringto either compound together if not individually.

Bear in mind that since our bodies’ ability to absorb and utilize these compounds can vary widely between individuals, it might be worth consulting with a healthcare professional before modifying your diet or supplement which makes the 2mg/day minimum more seem even more important.

Are there Risks to Watch Out For?

The good news is consuming additional dietary amounts of lutein has not proven harmful as per research on Pubmed publications. But! because zeaxanthin consume increases are new, their effects haven’t been researched extensively. Therefore if you’ve just started tracking your nutritional intake for the first time don’t try to eat an overabundance of supplements- remember folks: everything should always keep happening within moderation!

However,having said all that – under certain conditions medical exemptions could still apply most especially due allergies. If you have questions regarding consumption Don;t be afraid to consult with nutritionists or general physicians as well plus its always a safer option than winging analysis yourself flying solo.

Conclusion

So there we have it – not every health craze comes out of nowhere (but many do). While they may fly under the radar comparedto other components, taking care while adding Lutein & Zeaxathan-rich foods offers huge dividends in yourlong term physical wellness.It’s another excuse for moms worldwide- “I didn’t put spinach on your plate for nothing”. Cheers mama academia!

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