![\"lutein](\"http:\/\/vitanetonline.com\/images\/luteinmacula1.jpg\")
Lutein is a carotenoid, a group of chemical compounds that give plants their coloration ranging from yellow to red. Unlike its carotene counterparts found in carrots, it belongs to another class of carotenoids called xanthophyll, the same compounds that give the golden yellow pigmentation of egg yolk. Inside the human body it is most evident at great concentrations in the macula, and protects the eye from the adverse effects of oxidative stress.<\/p>\n
Numerous studies point to the correlation between intake of lutein and pigmentation in the macula. While there are no established dietary needs for lutein, we get our daily dose of this substance from fruits and vegetables. At the turn of the 21st century the many health benefits of lutein were discovered, which include scavenging free radicals at the cellular level as well as the promoting the overall health of the human eye.<\/p>\n
Lutein has received a lot of good press in the past few decades. It has been a subject in studies about different diseases, most of which are age-related functional decline, spurring the concern to get enough of this compound while young to ensure a healthy body in later life. Spinach, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, and broccoli have been identified to contain very high amounts of this carotenoid. Today there are an abundance of processed foods that are fortified with lutein, including milk powders and breakfast cereals.<\/p>\n