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Lutein Offers Protection Against Free Radicals

Lutein, a carotenoid belonging to a class of compounds related to vitamin A, is an antioxidant that can protect us from a variety of illnesses by attacking free radicals.  Free radicals are normally present in the body in small numbers, but an excess leads to damage to cells, tissues and genetic coding, which creates a weakened immune system and vulnerability to cancer and many other diseases.  Lutein is one of elements that will detoxify and protect the body, in particular, the eyes.
 
Muscular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness and affects the vision of about 13 million people in the U.S., often as a condition of aging.  Research indicates that lutein helps protect the eyes against this frightening disease, and there is also the possibility that it protects the eyes from cataracts and glaucoma.  Other benefits you can expect from lutein is that it can mount a defense against lung cancer, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other problems resulting from a weakened immune system.
 
Present in plants such as spinach, kale, broccoli, bilberries, and grapes, lutein is also found in eggs yolks and corn, where it is partly responsible for their bright golden color.  Lutein can be purchased in health food stores as pills or capsules, often in combination with other compounds that battle free radicals.  Look for its inclusion in mineral supplements and vitamin pills.