One antioxidant: Lutein
Last edition we have looked at the importance of one trace mineral, Manganese and today a one antioxidant, Lutein. The point is that if these 2 are so important to our health, what about all the other vitamins, the other antioxidants and the other minerals? This is why taking a well formulated multi-mineral, multi-antioxidant and multi vitamin such as Cell eXtra is one of the most important health initiatives you can take.
Lutein belongs to a family of antioxidants called carotenoids. Beta carotene found in carrots is the best-known example. Others include Lycopene found in tomatoes. Carotenoids are part of the pigments that give the plant orange/yellow colour. The colour exception are dark leafy greens like kale and spinach. The green chlorophyl in the plant hides the yellow Lutein. Foods rich in Lutein include dark leafy green vegetables, pumpkin (various types) and peppers.
Lutein is a general antioxidant, meaning it can donate electrons to stabilise free radicals to prevent these from damaging cell structures, The main role of Lutein is to protect the eye from free radical damage caused by blue light rays. Lutein, along with zeaxanthin, is in highest concentration in the macula, the most light-sensitive part of the retina.
Lutein acts as sunglasses for the macula. These yellow pigments help break down free radicals as they form and are critical part of eye defences. A failure of these defences can lead to problems especially Macular Degeneration leading to progressive vision loss.
Ophthalmology, the treatment of eye disorders, is my favourite branch of medicine. Ophthalmologists routinely prescribe supplements to support health. More than any other medical discipline, they understand the role nutrients have in protecting eyes from common diseases such as Macula Degeneration. Ophthalmologists regularly prescribe Lutein based supplements along with minerals, vitamins and Omega 3 oils.
While I include Lutein in Cell eXtra, lutein and zeaxanthin are very easy to get from diet. Cooked dark leafy greens like kale and spinach are the real heroes. Just 1 cup of cooked kale or spinach has over 20mg of lutein and zeaxanthin.
Eyes of course need a lot more than lutein. They need the antioxidants produced by copper and zinc, they need vitamin C and lots of natural vitamin E. The antioxidants in dark berries and grape seed extract help support the function of the beds of fine capillaries in the eye. This is just one more reason to use a well formulated multi antioxidant/mineral/vitamin. Of course, this will help every cell in your body and healthy cells make for a healthy body.
Note: Vitamin D, Antiox Plus and Bone Plus Coupon. Vitamin D has a 30% discount coupon and Antiox Plus and Bone Plus a 50%. The Coupon codes are vitamind30, antiox50, boneplus50. Put this code in the green ‘Apply Coupon’ box at the checkout or just phone 0800 423 559 and we will take care of this for you.
As always, feel free to contact me for personalised advice.
John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med)
Abundant Health
john@abundant.co.nz
0800 423559
Int’l +64 7 5722343
John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his all new newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz.
