The Importance of Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Eating a balanced diet that includes all of the colors of the rainbow is one way to tap into the benefits of carotenoids. Carotenoids, or plant-based (phyto) nutrients, are pigments that provide the naturally bright greens, yellows, reds, purples and oranges found in fruits and vegetables. They also provide nutrition that helps to support our health.
Two yellow pigments often naturally found together are lutein and zeaxanthin. These nutrients are important to our health and can be obtained from foods such as corn, yellow squash, sweet potato, spinach, collards, kale and zucchini. However, the body cannot make its own lutein and zeaxanthin.
What are lutein and zeaxanthin?
Lutein and zeaxanthin are potent antioxidants, called carotenoids, that play a role in many functions in the body throughout all life stages.
Highly bioavailable forms of lutein and zeaxanthin are derived from marigold flowers, where they are extracted and manufactured into health supplements.
