Zeaxanthin protecting the eyes

Zeaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that plays a similar role as lutein. Many people many have heard of lutein, while zeaxanthin is relatively less well-known. In fact, people need both of these two nutrients for eye health. Both of lutein and zeaxanthin are naturally absent in the retina and they are essential to maintain good eyesight.

Aging eyes need proper care

Every person will inevitably age as the time passes by. During this process, cells in the body including the eyes begin to die and the retina and lens of the eye are less protected. In a chronic way, eyesight may deteriorate and daily lives become difficult. Most old people will unfortunately experience these bothering things. Presbyopia and some eye diseases like glaucoma are closely linked with the eye’s natural aging process, experienced by any human being.

Taking lutein and zeaxanthin is a good idea

Good news is that a lot of studies have suggested that some nutrients can help the eyes stay healthy and self-protected, keeping away from age-related ocular defects. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two of the common subjects of those researches that evaluate eye health. In particular, these two antioxidants are mainly supposed to play a significant role in fighting against age related macular degeneration.

How zeaxanthin contributes to eye health

In fact, zeaxanthin is a form of carotenoid that mainly contributes to the colorful pigmentation of many orange and yellow fruits and vegetables. This is a common pigment that even some dark green leafy vegetables benefit from it. This is only one role of zeaxanthin. Its more important role is found to prevent damage to the eyes. In the latter case, zeaxanthin functions as an antioxidant that fights against free radicals in the eyes caused by oxidation.

Zeaxanthin intake should be started early

Taking proper amount of zeaxanthin on a daily basis, it is possible to effectively reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration. A key point is that zeaxanthin intake should be started and maintained from an early age. It is meaningless to pick such a habit once there have been signs or symptoms of the eye disease. Any form of eye care can be effective only from a prevention perspective, rather than a treatment one.

Where to get zeaxanthin?

In general, there are two ways to get enough amount of zeaxanthin: foods and nutritional supplements. It is quite necessary to take natural zeaxanthin, rather than synthetic ones. Eggs, spinach, kale, turnip greens, corn and Swiss chard are good sources that offer zeaxanthin. The easiest way is to include them in the diet. For people who find it difficult to maintain a well balanced diet that containing proper zeaxanthin, taking supplements is a good alternative.