People who consume green vegetables have a 57 % lower risk of developing senile blindness compared to people who do not consume enough green vegetables.
It was in the last ten years when experts discovered how lutein in green leafy vegetables and corn is beneficial to eyesight, i.e. prevents macular degeneration of the retina (senile blindness), characteristic for older people.
In order to consume the required daily amount of lutein it is better to consume boiled than fresh vegetables. Boiling vegetables helps your body absorb lutein better.
However, this does not mean that lutein is a medicine. Like any other carotenoid, lutein is a powerful antioxidant. The body can not synthesize lutein, which means you must enter it through food.
How does lutein help your vision?
Both natural yellow-orange color, lutein and zeaxantine, are an integral part of the retina, but lutein is crucial in preventing a disease known as macular degeneration (ARMD).
Lutein in animals and humans protects the sensitive structure of retina (macula) from photooxidation by destroying free radicals. Lutein absorbs harmful UV rays from the sun.
The latest study found that people who consume large amounts of green vegetables have a 57 % lower risk of developing macular degeneration of the retina compared to those who do not consume enough green vegetables. The lack of lutein in your diet is connected with the development of cataracts.
It was not easy to prove the positive effect of lutein. It could not be proven until one research helped measuring the necessary amount you should consume. The results showed it is necessary to consume 5 spinach dishes per week to ensure 6 mg of lutein. At the same time this amount is enough to reduce the risk of macular degeneration of the retina by 57 %.
Recommended dailly dose
Based on the results, researchers recommend consuming about 6 milligrams of lutein daily, in order to provide proper protection of eyesight. Similarly as in lycopene, better absorption of lutein can be provided by consuming lutein in dishes containing fat (soups and stews).
It is better to consume boiled vegetables than fresh in order to provide the necessary daily amount of lutein. After boiling, vegetable cells are opened which helps the body absorb lutein easier. You need to consume large amounts of green vegetables in order to provide the recommended daily dose of lutein (6 mg).