Lutein Benefits for Skin and Eye Health
Lutein is an antioxidant that protects the eyes from excessive computer and phone use. It also increases skin hydration and elasticity as well as protects against harmful UV rays and certain eye diseases. However, lutein is not produced by the body, meaning it must be consumed through food or supplements.
How Lutein Promotes Healthy Vision
Lutein protects the eyes from excessive use of computers and phones
Consuming lutein provides a natural barrier for the eyes from blue light exposure given off by computers and phones. It is not only the eyes that can be negatively affected. Excessive exposure to blue light can also have negative impacts on overall health.
A Harvard study compared the effect of 6.5 hours of blue light exposure versus green light. Surprisingly, blue light suppressed the release of melatonin, a hormone produced by the body to regulate sleep, almost twice as long as green light. In addition, blue light exposure delayed natural sleep rhythms twice as long.
Lack of sleep has been linked to an increased risk of depression, as well as diabetes and cardiovascular problems.
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$45.98 Add to cartLutein reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the main cause of blindness in Americans ages 65 and older. AMD occurs when oxidative stress causes a large buildup of plaque in the macula. The disease is progressive and largely genetic, and many people don’t show symptoms until they are in the late stage. Dry AMD is the most common type of AMD and occurs when the macula thins over time, while Wet AMD is less common and causes faster vision loss.
The National Eye Institute (NEI) studied the effects of adding lutein to a person’s diet and their risk of AMD over a five-year period. Researchers found that participants who added lutein to their diet “were about 25 percent less likely to develop advanced AMD compared with participants with similar dietary intake who did not take lutein.”
Cooper Complete Eye Health and Original Multivitamin supplements both contain lutein to help protect eye health.
Skin Health
Lutein and lycopene help reduce UV ray damage to the skin
In addition to promoting healthy vision and sleep habits, lutein also can protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the British Journal of Dermatology tested lutein and lycopene supplementation. Specifically, it measured the supplements’ abilities to reduce UV damage to the skin. Researchers studied skin biopsies for signs of UV damage.
When comparing these groups to the placebo groups, the lutein and lycopene groups both showed significantly less UV damage at the end of the study.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin for better skin health
Lutein can also provide other benefits for the skin. A double-blind and placebo-controlled trial published by the Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology measured the impact of lutein and zeaxanthin in protecting skin tone over time. Elastic recovery was another measure for the study. Overall, participants who took a lutein supplement showed a lighter and less damaged skin score. The study also showed that the group taking the supplements had a higher level of skin elasticity.
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$54.98 Add to cartThese studies show several benefits of ingesting lutein when exposed to harmful UV rays. This is why Cooper Complete Original Multivitamins contain lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene to help protect your skin on a daily basis.
Increasing Lutein levels
Sources of lutein
First and foremost, healthy eyes and skin start with a healthy diet. To improve lutein levels through a balanced diet, look for these foods:
- dark and leafy vegetables
- yellow bell peppers
- corn
- egg yolks
In addition to a healthy diet, supplements can be a good way to get lutein on a daily basis. Lutein’s natural antioxidant benefits are available in Cooper Complete Original Multivitamins, and Eye Health.
As a reminder, your physician understands your health profile best, so it’s important to talk to him/her about which supplements are best for you.