What are the benefits of carotenoids for the eyes and in which products to look for them

0 < p>Carotenoids – pigments that give fruits and vegetables bright red, orange, yellow and green shades – act as antioxidants. Three such substances are especially useful for eye health – lutein, its isomer zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin (a metabolite of lutein and one of the isomers of zeaxanthin).

They form a pigment in the macula (“macular pigment”), which protects the photoreceptor cells located in this area of ​​the retina. Studies show that lutein and its isomers play an important role in the formation of the eyes during fetal development and are important for the functioning of vision throughout a person's life. Also, these carotenoids play a major role in reducing the risk of developing common age-related eye diseases in old age, primarily age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

The first two substances are found in various vegetables and fruits, especially in green leafy vegetables. .

Foods are good sources of lutein and zeaxanthin

Look for eye-healthy carotenoids in the following foods:

• curly cabbage (kale);
• spinach;
• chard;
• mustard greens;
• turnip greens;

< li>kale;

• green peas;
• zucchini;
• eggs.

Earlier it was believed that meso- zeaxanthin is not found in natural food sources and is produced mostly as a result of the metabolism of lutein. However, studies have shown that this carotenoid is present in the skin of trout, sardines and salmon, as well as in the meat of trout.