These powerhouses provide a great starting point for your vision nutrition. Lutein and zeaxanthin (along with mesozeaxanthin) are carotenoids, a class of mostly yellow, orange, or red fat-soluble pigments, including carotenes, which give color to plant parts such as ripe tomatoes.
These macular pigments act as an internal pair of sunglasses to protect the retina from the damaging effects of UV radiation and blue light. They support microcirculation in the tiny capillaries within the eye. They protect the functions of the immune and anti-inflammation systems within the different regions of the eye.
They are found in the periphery of the retina (for night vision with mostly rods), the macula (center of the retina for sharp vision with rods and cones), and the fovea (the pit inside the macula with only cones) for the sharpest vision.
And, don’t forget – the eyes are part of the nerve structure of the brain – so these benefits extend to brain health.
But, most people with a normal diet have low levels of carotenoid antioxidants,
