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Zeaxanthin and lutein are two of the nutrients that may help reduce the risk of certain age-related eye diseases. Other nutrients or extracts that are beneficial to the continued good health of your eyes include resveratrol, bilberry extract, gingko biloba, green tea extract, grape seed extract, omega-3 fatty acids and basic vitamin E. Any nutritional deficiency or imbalance can have a detrimental effect on your vision, as can physical inactivity, high levels of stress and an unhealthy lifestyle. It is always important to eat a balanced diet, but it may be impossible to get all of the trace nutrients that we need every day, through diet, alone. A good multi-vitamin is always a good idea, but it is particularly valuable as time goes by. As we age, our digestive systems do not work quite as well as they did when we were younger. It becomes more difficult for the body to absorb nutrients from the foods that we eat. Those nutrients can help counter the three primary causes of aging, but only if they are fully absorbed. The three primary causes of aging are free radical damage, chronic inflammation and glycation. Zeaxanthin and lutein may help address free radical damage, because of their antioxidant activity. But, they are not effective against inflammation or glycation. The most potent natural anti-inflammatory is omega-3 fish oil, but there are many others, including some of the nutrients and extracts mentioned above. The only nutrient that is effective against glycation is carnosine. Studies have shown that it is beneficial for preventing or treating a number of different eye diseases, including cataracts, age-related degeneration and glaucoma. Free radicals have been the subjects of news reports for many years, but only recently have we started to hear more about the detrimental effects of glycation. It is now believed to play a role in many diseases and has even been cited as a cause of wrinkles. Zeaxanthin and lutein are certainly beneficial nutrients. It’s just that they aren’t the only beneficial nutrient. When people hear reports about specific nutrients, they often run out and buy the first supplement that they see. What they should really be doing is looking for a well-designed supplement that includes ingredients designed to work together. Digestive enzymes, essential minerals, co-factors and extracts that contribute to better nutrient absorption are just some of the other ingredients to look for. If you want to include more zeaxanthin in your diet, some of the best sources are kale, turnip greens, collards and broccoli. Broccoli is considered a “super-food” by fitness experts, because it includes so many different nutrients, but is very low in calories. You should also strive to avoid the foods that cause glycation. Those are simple carbohydrates like white bread, white rice and white potatoes. If it’s white, it is not that good for you. Although there is reason to believe that our genes play a role in how well we age, most researchers now believe that we can conquer our genes, to a certain extent. A nutrient like zeaxanthin is one of the tools we need to do that. Gordon Hall is fervent about enabling you and everyone to live a healthy lifestyle, and is an ardent reviewer of herbal, vitamin and mineral extracts. To discover which supplements Gordon recommends after far ranging and extensive research. Visit his website now: Your Supplement Resource Site
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