Category: Zeaxanthin

Pumpkin Seed, Macular Degeneration & BPH

Macular Degeneration:

Pumpkin seed oil is rich in zeaxanthin, which protects the retina and slow the progress of macular degeneration. In 2003, the Medical Research Council Environmental Epidemiology Unit at the University of Southampton in England announced that zeaxanthin “may be far more important in preventing or stabilizing macular degeneration than previously realized.”  Learn more about zeaxanthin.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:

When pumpkin seed is taken along with saw palmetto symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia can be reduced (BPH).   Scientists have noted that the benefit may arise from some of the contents of pumpkin seed, such as plant sterols, zinc, and  fatty acids. Learn more about benign prostate hyperplasia.

 

Lutein and Zeaxanthin for Eye Health

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidants used both in the retina and lens of the eyes, and help reduce the chances of onset of eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts.

The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are both potent  antioxidants that are used in the cells of the lens and retina of the eye.  They are wonderful free radical fighters with the capacity to lower oxidation in the eye – which causes stress in the cells of the eye.  They also are used both in the retina and lens of the eyes. They help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. In addition they are powerful filters that block damaging blue light from sunshine.

Zeaxanthin is found mostly in the macula of the eye, at the center of the retina, where it supports central vision, and lutein is mostly found at other locations in the retina where it supports peripheral vision.

Supplementation with only  6 mg  lutein each day lowers the risk of developing AMD by 57 percent.

The Woman’s Health Study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology in 2007 demonstrated that female subjects who received the highest levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E  in their diets were 18 percent less likely to get cataracts.

Learn more about lutein and zeaxanthin.

Avocados for Eye Health

Avocados contains a wide range of phytonutrients are thought to help prevent many chronic diseases, and are excellent for the eye health. Nutrients include trans neoxanthin, neochrome, lutein-5, 6-epoxide and chrysanthemaxanthin. The scientists also confirmed the presence of lutein, zeaxanthin, b-cryptoxanthin, a-carotene and b-carotene (all nutrients that support retinal health).

Avocado for the eyes

Avocados contain a wide range of phytonutrients, which are thought to help prevent many chronic diseases, and are excellent for the eye health. Nutrients include trans neoxanthin, neochrome, lutein-5, 6-epoxide and chrysanthemaxanthin. The scientists also confirmed the presence of lutein, zeaxanthin, b-cryptoxanthin, a-carotene and b-carotene (all nutrients that support retinal health).

Since most of the nutrients are located near the skin of the fruit, you get most nutrients out of an avocado by peeling the fruit before slicing it.
See more information on foods for the eyes.

Lutein, black currant extract may reduce visual fatigue

Visual fatigue such as computer eye strain caused by staring at the computer for long hours, may be eased a daily supplement containing blackcurrant fruit extract (200 mg), lutein (5 mg), and zeaxanthin (1 mg), according to a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial.

Visual fatigue such as computer eye strain caused by staring at the computer for long hours, may be eased a daily supplement containing black currant fruit extract (200 mg), lutein (5 mg), and zeaxanthin (1 mg), according to a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial.

The findings, published in the journal Applied Ergonomics, adds to the ever growing body of science supporting the eye health benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin.

Editor’s Notes: See more information on how to help prevent or minimize computer eye strain.

Mini-Strokes May Cause Vision Loss for Those with Normal Tension Glaucoma

The Hong Kong study of 286 people with normal-tension glaucoma found a high incidence of silent cerebral infarcts among those whose loss of vision progressed more rapidly. The finding is in the July issue of Ophthalmology.

A study of people who suffer the mini-strokes called silent cerebral infarcts could help explain the medical mystery of normal-tension glaucoma, Hong Kong ophthalmologists report.

The Hong Kong study of 286 people with normal-tension glaucoma found a high incidence of silent cerebral infarcts among those whose loss of vision progressed more rapidly. The finding is in the July issue of Ophthalmology.

Editor’s Note: Although the traditional approach to managing normal tension glaucoma is to lower intraocular pressure with glaucoma medications, the reason for the actual vision loss it still not known. This study may offer some insight into this vision loss.

We have long subscribed to the idea the vision loss for people with normal tension glaucoma is at least partially due to poor circulation to the optic nerve, and that taking nutrients and herbs that help strengthen circulation to the optic nerve and help fortify the optic nerve can help preserve vision.

Such nutrients include gingko biloba, taurine, vitamin B12, alpha lipoic acid, bilberry, lutein, zeaxanthin, grapeseed extract and omega-3 fatty acids.

For more related information, see Natural Eye Care for Glaucoma.