Part1. What is Marigold flower extract lutein?
Also known as "plant lutein", it exists together with Zeaxanthin in nature. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the main components of plant pigments such as corn, vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and are also the main pigments that constitute the macular area of the human eye. Human eyes contain high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin, but these two elements cannot be produced by the human body, and must be supplemented by foods containing lutein and zeaxanthin. If these two elements are lacking, the eyes will be blind.
Part2. In which foods does lutein exist?
Lutein, found in certain vegetables, fruits, and egg yolks, is a nutrient with many benefits. In nature, lutein has the highest content in dark green leafy vegetables such as cabbage, collard greens, and spinach, as well as flowers such as marigolds and marigolds. It is a member of the carotenoid family. Carotenoids are a class of chemicals related to vitamin A. Beta-carotene is best known as a precursor to vitamin A, but there are about 600 other compounds in this family that need to be understood. They have a lot more than lutein, such as alpha-carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthin, and beta-zeaxanthin.
Part3. The important role of lutein in the prevention of eye diseases
In the plant world, carotenoids like lutein are primarily responsible for adding color to vegetables and fruits like sweet potatoes and carrots. In the human body, lutein and zeaxanthin form the main pigments in the center of the retina, where vision is most sensitive. Although lutein is not considered an essential nutrient, studies have shown that it plays a major role in maintaining normal vision and preventing eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), cataracts ( cataracts) etc. Adequate carotenoid intake has also been linked to lower rates of colorectal cancer and heart disease.
Part4. Antioxidant activity of lutein
Lutein and other carotenoids are thought to have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, a damaging by-product of normal metabolism. Free radicals in the body will snatch electrons from other molecules and damage cells and genes. This process is called oxidation. Research conducted by the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows that lutein fights free radicals like vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant . Concentrated lutein exists in the retina and lens, which can protect vision by neutralizing free radicals and increasing pigment density. For damaging glare, lutein also has a shielding effect. A small study published in the journal "Experimental Eye Research" in 1997 showed that lutein can significantly reduce the damage of blue light reaching the sensitive parts of the eyes to the human body. Two research subjects who participated in the experiment continued for 5 months Taking lutein equivalent to 30mg per day.
