Years ago, we thought vitamins were the only beneficial components of food. Now, science has uncovered a multitude of healthy plant components called phytochemicals that play an important role in food, nutrition and human health. One type, the carotenoid, is a fat-soluble pigment that gives fruits and vegetables their beautiful color and protects the eyes, cholesterol and cells from oxidative damage.
Keep your eye on the prize:
The macula is an area of the retina (an internal layer of the eye) that promotes central vision and allows us to see what’s directly in front of us. Within the macula is a yellow pigment composed entirely of lutein and zeaxanthin, two fabulous carotenoids that protect the macula from the damaging photo-oxidative effects of sunlight (blue light and also UV rays). (more…)
