Myth Buster: Lutein Only Benefits Your Eyes

May 04, 2022

Myth Buster: Lutein Only Benefits Your Eyes

 Lutein, although commonly referred to as the "eye vitamin," has numerous health benefits to the entire body. While it is widely known that lutein benefits eye health by reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration and prolonging the onset of cataracts, researchers believe they have only just scratched the surface of lutein's health benefits.

Nearly 100 published, peer-reviewed papers involving 400,000 individuals have confirmed that higher lutein consumption can reduce the risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, and metabolic syndrome (often associated with type 2 diabetes). Lutein has also been linked to cognitive benefits such as long-term brain health and delaying the onset of age-related cognitive decline. Studies have found associations between lutein levels in the eye and reduced risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), dementia, and Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Lutein accounts for nearly 60% of the carotenoid content of the brain, alongside zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin. When these three carotenoids are combined, their antioxidant benefits become even greater. For this reason, when shopping for a lutein supplement, it is important to find one that also contains zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin, like Memory Health.

 

Lutein’s Effect on the Brain

Lutein is a powerful plant-based pigment known as a carotenoid (a specialized nutrient) that has impressive antioxidant benefits. Lutein neutralizes dangerous free radicals, reduces oxidative stress, and lowers inflammation in both the eyes and the brain. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been linked to improvements in brain health, cognitive function, memory, and even mood.

Studies have shown the three carotenoids — lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin — have memory-enhancing effects when taken daily, as well as an impact on other areas of cognitive function, such as attention and speed of mental processing. Further studies show that individuals with high concentrations of carotenoids in their brain demonstrate much better cognitive function, and that patients with Alzheimer's disease are significantly deficient in these nutrients.

 

Adding Lutein To Your Everyday Diet 

Lutein is present in the highest quantities in dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli. Unfortunately, our bodies don’t make lutein on their own and studies have shown that we don’t consume enough leafy-green vegetables to make a meaningful change in eye and brain levels.

Today, our food sources are over-farmed, over-manufactured, and declining every year in nutritional value. According to USDA data, one bowl of spinach in 1953 has the same nutritional value as 43 bowls of spinach today— an 84% loss of nutrition. Even with a healthy diet, we don't consume lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin in the quantities our eyes and brains need. An effective strategy is to fortify your diet with supplements containing these beneficial carotenoids. In fact, scientists now believe that supplements are necessary in order to maintain optimal carotenoid levels in the eyes and brain.

 

Choose Memory Health

Memory Health is the only supplement with patents in the United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland for the prevention of prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disease. It is specially formulated to deliver the right amounts and balance of lutien, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin our brains need to thrive.

Support your brain health today with Memory Health

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