Lutein – Can lutein reduce the risk of cataracts?

You may have heard that lutein and zeaxanthin – antioxidants found in leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale and collard greens – can help to prevent cataracts or postpone their development.  

This isn’t a myth – research suggests that including these antioxidants in your diet on a regular basis does help to reduce the risk of cataracts, along with other eye conditions like age-related macular degeneration. 

Lutein and zeaxanthin act as blue light filters, helping to prevent or reduce the damage that can occur when blue light hits the macula.  

However, these two antioxidants aren’t the only vitamins and minerals that help to promote eye health. Vitamins C and E, glutathione, polyphenols, omega-3, manganese and zinc have all been linked to improved eye health, as well. 

A healthy, nutritious and varied diet, including lots of fruit and vegetables – as well as fish, meat, nuts, and seeds – will help you to maintain not just healthy eyes, but general health as well. 

The key message regarding lutein itself? Eat leafy, green vegetables every day, and take a well-balanced vitamin supplement that contains a variety of antioxidants and nutrients.