What is Lutein and Zeaxanthin? The main use of 2 antioxidant compounds

What is Lutenin? What is Zeaxanthin?

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are carotenoids found in many fruits and vegetables, which play a role in giving them their characteristic color. For health, Lutein and Zeaxanthin play an important role in maintaining and protecting eyes and skin.

According to the scientific report of Assoc. Dr. Elizabeth J. Johnson, Jean Mayer Nutrition Research Institute, Tufts University Boston, USA, Lutein is most concentrated in the macula of the eye and accounts for 66-77% of the carotenoids that form the brain structure. They are yellow pigments (xanthophylls) that are responsible for:

• Contributes to the construction of structure in cell membranes
• Filtering short wavelength light
• Maintain redox balance

In addition, these two substances are also active antioxidants used to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals usually originate from:

• Smoking habit
• Polluted environment, dust
• Frequent exposure to chemicals
• Caused by radioactive rays

In addition, nutrients absorbed through the process of eating are also part of antioxidants such as: Selenium, Vitamins C and E.

Unlike Selenium and Vitamins, Lutein and Zeaxanthin are little known and well understood benefits in supplementing these two antioxidants for the body.

What role does Lutein play in health?

Enhance eye health

Concentrate in the central fovea of the macula and form the yellow pigment there. Both types of carotenoids act as sentinels, protecting this organ by filtering out blue light and preventing oxidation reactions from occurring.

Therefore, according to nutritionists, the application of a diet rich in Lutein and Zeaxanthin helps to improve yellow pigmentation in the eyes. Thereby reducing the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.

Protect skin from harmful rays

Skin is similarly susceptible to oxidative damage in the eyes and frequency of exposure to ultraviolet or blue light. Often there is a risk of damaging the DNA chain, promoting the production of melanin, affecting the elasticity of the skin.

For adults

• Full Lutein supplement helps the ability to memorize and study more effectively. For the elderly, Lutein helps keep the mind sharp and enhances memory.
• Lutein plays an important role in the transmission and processing of information, images between the eyes and brain, and the development of the optic nerve.
• Lutein protects eye health, prevents eye diseases such as astigmatism, farsightedness, myopia, and eye fatigue. In the elderly, Lutein helps reduce the aging process of vision, prevent degenerative retinal diseases, cataracts.
• In addition, Lutein also has the effect of preventing atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases. Lutein should be at least 6 mg to 10 mg per day.

For children

• Enhance cognitive ability, learn, develop intelligence later. In contrast, Lutein deficiency affects the development of the brain, young brain.
• Lutein is also present in many retinal neurons, helping to increase the density of retinal pigments, affecting the development of the optic nerve in children.
• Eyes are the first organ to be affected if a child is deficient in Lutein. Children’s eyes are vulnerable, affecting their ability to see and making them susceptible to eye diseases.
• The amount of Lutein young children need is about 2 mg / 1 kg of body weight.

Lutein-rich food sources

Lutein-rich food sources include dark green vegetables, tubers, fruits, and egg yolks. Lutein-rich vegetables include:

• Kale vegetables
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Spinach
• Rainbow cabbage
• Brussels sprouts
• Broccoli
• Dried watercress
• Spinach
• Sweet potato vegetables

Lutein-rich tubers and fruits should include:

• Asparagus
• Green mustard
• Corn
• Red pumpkin
• Carrot
• Orange
• Papaya

Powdered milk is also a food source that contains the necessary amount of Lutein to provide the body. Especially for young children, formula milk is recommended to fully supplement the Lutein content, helping the brain development of children.

Tips for Supplementing Lutein

• For infants, breast milk is a supplemental source of Lutein for infants. But the Lutein content in breast milk is only about 200 mcg / liter. In addition, the amount of breast milk supplied to the baby will decrease as the baby learns to wean gradually. Therefore, supplementing with formula milk is an optimal solution that mothers should choose.
• If taking medication to supplement Lutein, a doctor’s prescription is required. Ideally, you should supplement Lutein through your diet for the best effect.
• Choose to buy foods and powdered milk containing Lutein at reputable, safe and quality stores.

Thus, Lutein is very good for the eyes, helping to develop the brain. It should be noted to fully supplement Lutein!

Source: Youth Newspaper