Avocados and Lutein – Your Eye Health:
What is Lutein?
Lutein is a natural antioxidant that may help maintain eye health, as we get older.
According to the American Optometric Association, lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that filter harmful high-energy blue wavelengths of light and act as antioxidants in the eye, helping protect and maintain healthy cells. Of the 600 carotenoids found in nature, only two are deposited in high quantities in the retina (macula) of the eye: lutein and zeaxanthin. Unfortunately, the human body does not synthesize the lutein and zeaxanthin it needs, which is the reason why daily intake through diet is essential to good nutrition and for maintenance of good eye health.
Good News! Avocados are a good way to get more lutein in the diet.
An ounce of avocado contains 81 micrograms of lutein. Lutein has been shown to be concentrated in the macula of the eye, and research suggests that it may help maintain healthy eyesight as we age. By adding avocado to foods like salads, salsa, soups or sandwiches you can get more of the phytonutrient lutein in your diet.
