Most of us doesn’t seem to care about them, some even abuse them. Eye related concerns would only take place only when there are complications already that are hard to cure.
We must keep in mind that our eyes are vital parts of our body and we should take care of it as much as how we take care other parts of our body.
Ever heard of Lutein?
You must’ve heard it on commercials or ads about eye supplements. But never actually paid attention on what it is or what it does to your eyes. Well, here are some fun facts about Lutein that you don’t know because you basically don’t care about it. Kidding!
The eye vitamin
According to research, lutein acts as a vitamin for the eyes that protects against various eye disorders such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, retinitis, pigmentosa etc. It also claims to help cure colon cancer, breast cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Color pigment of the eye
Lutein is classified as carotenoid along with zeaxanthin, and it is also related to beta-carotene and lycopene. Sounds too obtuse? Welp, in layman’s term, carotenoids are the one responsible for the color of the eye. Carotenoids are color pigments that gives bright red, orange and yellow hues among many fruits and vegetables.
So, just how much it does to plants, also does to the human eye.
According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, carotenoids has antioxidant properties that is strong enough to fight cancer cells.
Carotenoids are often turned into vitamin A by the body to support the vision. It also has benefits of anti-inflammatory and of the immune system that can be used to prevent heart related disease.
Also, carotenoids must be consumed with a high-fat meal. As per the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, the nutrients of carotenoids need to become one with the mixed micelles, of which is a fusion of bile salts and lipids. That’s where the presence of fat is needed. To make the process possible.
Eat your greens, yellows, orange and red
It is much easier and tastier to obtain lutein from fruits and vegetables rather than taking it from medicines and food supplements.
Here’s a list from The Low Vision Centers of Indiana that will help you track your vegetable intake for a clearer and healthier vision:
Kale Avocado
Collard Greens Carrots
Spinach Plum
Cress leaf Tomato Paste
Swiss Chard Peach
Chicory Leaf Kiwi Fruit
Parsley Prune
Mustard Greens Pear
Beet Greens Tomatoes
Okra Apple
Red Pepper Squash
Dill Peach
Romaine Lettuce Cabbage
Endive Tangerine
Celery Yellow onion
Scallions Nectarine
Leeks Orange
Broccoli Watermelon
Leaf Lettuce Apricot
Green Peas Turnip
Iceburg Lettuce
Brussel Sprouts
Corn
Yellow Pepper
Green Beans
Asparagus
Cucumber Pickle
Green Olives
No side effects, however…
There were no recorded side effects of lutein however, overdosing might cause tremendous change and discomfort in your body. As Lutein must be associated with fat, the risk of having high cholesterol is possible. Also, excessive amount of lutein intake might cause yellowing of the skin.
Though it’s not harmful, it might still be a discomfort.
Lutein intake must be taken seriously and responsibly just like any other vitamins and supplements. It is important to consult your physician before consuming it. May it be the natural healthy way or the supplement way, too much is never good for our body.
Given that lutein is a vital supply for a healthy and sharper vision, you should also familiarize yourself on ways of taking care of your eyes. Especially your retina. As it is the most important part of your vision system.
Your retina consists of tissues at the rear of the eye that captures the light and pass on those images to the brain. Well, you probably knew all about that but for those who doesn’t, then that’s the retina.
Common results of retinal damage were due to macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and even nearsightedness.
With proper care and precaution, these instances might be prevented. There are simple ways in our daily lifestyle that will help to keep a healthy retina aside from taking in supplements for it.
Watch your diet
When we often hear diet, weight loss would instantly come into our minds. But this diet is not for that cause. Watching your diet or your food intake. There are some foods that can be harmful for your eyesight. Especially, too much sugar.
As mentioned on an article from Diabetes Self-Management, blurring of vision that rapidly develops were caused by high blood sugar levels. It causes to swell the lens of the eye that changes the ability to see.
You may be experiencing blurred visions after eating a high-carb meal. It’s because of the rise of glucose in your system. So, high-carb meal must be reduced or better be avoided.
Smoke no more
Did you know that smoking can cause early occurrence of macular degeneration? It affects the circulation of blood to your eye and retina resulting to the damage of your eye blood vessels. It also lowers the level of antioxidants in your blood that helps to keep healthy eyesight.
Second hand smoking is as dangerous as it is to the retina. As it also affect those around you. The smoke coming directly to the eye of a person, especially children, are vulnerable and most likely exposed on retinal damage.
Macula was the part of the retina that is the most sensitive and will extremely be damage by the chemicals coming from the cigarette smoke. When the cell of macula dies, the damage that it will cause to your vision is tremendous and won’t be cured.
Smoking is easier to stop. Self-discipline is the key and also being aware of your own personal health and to those around you.
Shield it
Wearing sunglasses or eyeglasses is a simple way of protecting your eyes from the direct sunlight or even the harmful radiation of your gadgets. You can also put on eye drops to prevent it from drying when you’re outside. Keeping your eyes moist will reduce the risk of bacteria or tiny particles scratching a tissue on your eyes.
Even that small barcode scanner from the grocery story can harm your eyes by exposing it directly to the laser. This one won’t likely to happen often but as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.
Chill and let it sit
Work, work, work. Too much stress and restless body can also affect your retina. The fast paced environment around you will constantly tire your eyes down. Take time to chill.
Sit down. Or lay down if possible. Close your eyes and forget all the stressful things that are stressing you out. Do this even for just a couple of minutes so that your eyes can take a break.
Taking care of your eyes always depend on you. On how you discipline and look after yourself. Medicines are there to cure what is still curable. Don’t wait for that time when even a medicine or a surgical procedure can’t do anything to fix what has been damaged.
We’re hoping that these facts and simple tips educated you well to take care of yours or your family's own eyes. Always remember that those eyes are one of those greatest gifts that you have so you must treasure it dearly.
Fortified with Lutein and TCM herbs, Vermilion Eye Health Jelly contains all the necessary nutrients to help preserve vision acuity.
This synergistic effect of vitamins, antioxidants and nutraceuticals supports a healthy retina and aids in slowing down macular degeneration, cataract formation and helps to relief dry and tired eyes!
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