Why is Zeaxanthin Vital to the Human Eyes?

Dec 13, 2022

How Much Do You Know about Zeaxanthin?

The specifications of high-quality Zeaxanthin Powder we can provide are 5%, 10%, and 20%. Zeaxanthin is a fat-soluble antioxidant compound of the carotenoid. Carotenoids are present in certain algae, bacteria, fungi, fruits, vegetables, and plants. They are vital nutrients that you must obtain from the diet. Zeaxanthin is one of only two carotenoids (i.e. zeaxanthin and lutein) found in the human eye. In scientific research, zeaxanthin and lutein are commonly described together because of their overlapping functions in the eye and because the body can convert lutein to zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin is concentrated in the retina's center, and lutein is found in the peripheral areas of the retina. Therefore, the macular pigment of the eye includes lutein and zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin plays an essential role in vision and eye health and helps reduce the risk of eye diseases.

Where Can We Get Zeaxanthin? How Much Should I Take?

Zeaxanthin occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Dark leafy greens are especially loaded with zeaxanthin. Scientific sources often list zeaxanthin-containing and lutein-containing foods together rather than separately. This may be due to the fact that lutein can be converted to the carotenoid meso-zeaxanthin in the human eye, or because the human diet is low in zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin is the main carotenoid in wolfberry. Fruits and seeds are rich sources. Corn, egg yolks, and breast milk are other bioavailable sources—meaning your body can easily absorb zeaxanthin from these foods.

Dietary Sources that are Rich in Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Here are a list of other foods packed with zeaxanthin and lutein, including amounts of both per 100 g: spinach (raw) 12.2 mg, pistachios (raw) 2.9 mg, green beans (raw) 2.5 mg, lettuce (raw) 2.3 mg, summer squash (cooked) 2.3 mg, Brussels sprouts (cooked) 1.2 mg, broccoli (raw) 1.4 mg, pumpkin (cooked) 1.0 mg, asparagus (cooked) 0.8 mg, and carrots (raw) 0.3 mg.

Consuming at least 2 mg appears to provide some health benefits. Research shows that when people consume 5-6 mg of zeaxanthin per day, they have the lowest risk of AMD and a slower rate of cataract development. By eating a variety of whole foods, including orange bell peppers, corn, and eggs, you can potentially get 5-10 mg of zeaxanthin and lutein through diet alone.

Why is Zeaxanthin Vital to the Human Eyes?

★ Has Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties in the Eyes: Antioxidants protect the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals or oxidants. They reduce the levels of free radicals and inflammation in the body. Excessive production of free radicals and chronic inflammation in the body is linked to the development of diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), dementia, and cancer. Additionally, exposure to blue light waves has been shown to stimulate the production of free radicals and oxidative stress in the eyes and is a possible threat to eye health. Studies have shown that zeaxanthin reduces oxidative stress and damage to the eye by absorbing blue light, thereby reducing inflammation and the risk of eye disease. As a matter of fact, the most light-receiving layers of the eye contain about 75 percent zeaxanthin, which absorbs up to 90 percent of blue light to protect the retina from light-induced damage.

Zeaxanthin and Lutein's Effect on Macular Pigment

Reduces the Risk of Eye Disease: Numerous studies have shown that zeaxanthin plays a paramount role in eye health during the lifespan. In particular, it's been linked to a lower risk of age-related eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma. These eye conditions cause the destruction of the macula of the eye - the area responsible for fine vision. The macula is also the storage site for the carotenoids zeaxanthin and lutein. Diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma are all eye conditions that result from damage to the nerves in the eye caused by chronically high blood sugar levels, which can occur in people with diabetes. The antioxidant properties of zeaxanthin help prevent oxidative stress, reduce eye inflammation, and protect the macula from damage. Zeaxanthin also plays a vital role in eye development in the developing fetuses and optimal vision in early adulthood. A diet loaded with zeaxanthin and other antioxidants may increase macular pigment density and reduce the risk of eye disease.

Protects Skin from UV Rays: Zeaxanthin is abundant in human skin. In the eyes and skin, zeaxanthin absorbs detrimental blue light waves and prevents oxidative stress resulting from free radicals. Many factors can affect skin aging and sensitivity, including malnutrition and ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Some symptoms of aging skin include dryness, roughness, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and discoloration. Studies have shown that the UV protection of zeaxanthin can improve the signs of skin aging. People get these benefits from eating a diet loaded with zeaxanthin and using skin creams that contain zeaxanthin and other antioxidants.

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