With the prevalence of supplements on store shelves and the more recent appearance of vitamin enriched waters, we are being bombarded with labels touting everything from more energy, better memory, to increased focus. Many of the vitamins and minerals being referenced are already familiar to many of us. Medical reports, news articles, and even health journals keep us up to date on many of the essential nutrients our bodies need. But some of the newer supplements are presenting us with more obscure names that many of us may have never seen before.
One of the more obscure names is Lutein. A popular vitamin water has included this carotenoid in one of its products. What health benefit does this nutrient provide to us? A carotenoid, the family to which lutein belongs, is a natural fat-soluble pigment. Carotenoids are mainly found in plants and algae. Carotenoids pigments are usually red, orange, and yellow and are found in plant leaves and fruits. Lutein, the yellow and orange pigments found in various vegetables and fruits, may actually protect your eyes and arteries.
Research on Lutein has produced evidence suggesting that this carotenoid can protect your eyes against cataracts and macular degeneration. It is thought that lutein absorbs a harmful light present in sunlight. It was also found that lutein may actually protect your arteries against clogging. The studies have not found evidence supporting the effectiveness of lutein in a supplement form. But consuming lutein through fruits and vegetables may have significant health benefits.
Even though evidence doesn’t support the claims (yet) that the supplements provide the benefits of the naturally occurring nutrient, we can be grateful that the labels from the products brought awareness of the existence of this important carotenoid. So eat plenty of sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, corn, and mangoes. And enjoy your clear eye sight.