What Are Lutein and Zeaxanthin & What Foods Can I Find It In?
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are together called xanthophylls.
They are the carotenoids that are found in the eyes it accumulates in the retina of the eye.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are classified as non-provitamin A carotenoids.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are found in a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, especially in leafy green vegetables.
Table of Contents
Lutein and Zeaxanthin For Eye Health
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are the two major carotenoids in the human macula and retina.
They are often referred to together as xanthophylls, or macular pigment. (source ◳)
Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration is a major cause of vision loss in people over the age of fifty.
It is estimated that, in the United States, approximately 1.75 million people have macular degeneration.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are macular pigments that may play a role in reducing the development and progression of age-related macular degeneration.
Lutein and zeaxanthin intake, in whole food or supplemental form, increases serum concentrations, which in turn increases macular pigment density.
Specific benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin
If you are interested in all the benefits lutein possesses, you can check them out in Lutein: 7 Research-Backed Benefits .
Or you can find the benefits that Zeaxanthin has in Zeaxanthin: 5 Research-Backed Benefits .
Lutein and Zeaxanthin Are Xanthophylls
Xanthophylls are widely distributed in nature and are common in plants. (source ◳)
Our body cannot synthesize xanthophylls, therefore they need to be added through the diet. (source ◳)
Xanthophylls are known to act as accessory pigments in the photosynthetic process, and they are also known to possess antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin In Food
Xanthophylls are found in a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. There are especially high concentrations in leafy green vegetables. (source ◳)
But fruits and vegetables of various colors can be consumed to increase the dietary intake of xanthophylls. (source ◳)
Foods You Can Find Lutein and Zeaxanthin In
You find Lutein and Zeaxanthin mostly in spices, herbs, and vegetable products.
Examples of food sources include
Foods in our nutrition tool
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If you are interested in what foods contain the most Lutein and Zeaxanthin, we recommend you visit our tool.
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