Recent Blog Articles
Pouring from an empty cup? Three ways to refill emotionally
Give praise to the elbow: A bending, twisting marvel
Sneezy and dopey? Seasonal allergies and your brain
The FDA relaxes restrictions on blood donation
Apps to accelerometers: Can technology improve mental health in older adults?
Swimming and skin: What to know if a child has eczema
A muscle-building obsession in boys: What to know and do
Natural disasters strike everywhere: Ways to help protect your health
Dementia: Coping with common, sometimes distressing behaviors
Screening tests may save lives — so when is it time to stop?
In Brief: Dietary lutein and zeaxanthin may slow macular degeneration
In Brief
Dietary lutein and zeaxanthin may slow macular degeneration
People whose diets are rich in two substances commonly found in fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a study published in the September 2007 issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids, the substances that give fruits and vegetables their deep green, yellow, and orange colors. Both are also found in high concentrations in the macula, the area of the retina that gives us the sharp eyesight we need to read, drive, and recognize faces. AMD occurs when cells in the macula break down. Lutein and zeaxanthin are thought to slow the progression of AMD by helping shield the macula from oxidative damage caused by short wavelengths of light.
| Food sources of lutein and zeaxanthin Egg yolks, corn, broccoli, green beans, yams, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, cabbage, kale, spinach, carrots, kiwi fruit, and honeydew melon |
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!
