Lutein
Lutein is one supplement that could make the difference between growing old with good vision or going blind. There is no “cure” for macular degeneration, but laser surgery can help to slow down the advancing of the destruction. Through research, there is now a large body of compelling evidence suggesting that carotenoids, specifically Lutein, can offer significant protection. Being a member of the carotenoid family, Lutein is found in vegetables such as spinach, kale, collard greens, mustard greens and corn. Lutein concentrates in the macula of the eye and this prompted the research on whether or not it had any effect on the fine vision of the macula. In the well-known study done at Harvard, on just this issue, it was found that people who consumed at least 6 grams of Lutein in their diets had a much lower incidence of macular degeneration than those who did not. Six grams of Lutein is a lot, and most people don’t come anywhere near that amount daily. This is why in addition to a healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables it is important to take supplements.

Bilberry
Bilberry is also known as the European blueberry and has become synonymous with healthy eyes. During WWII, Royal Air Force pilots ate bilberry jam to improve their eyesight for night missions. Bilberry contains compounds called anthocyanosides, that are natural antioxidants protecting the capillaries, (the micro-circulation), from free-radical damage, thereby improving circulation. The Anthocyanosides are also responsible for the regeneration of a retinal pigment that is needed to help the eye adapt to light. In addition, Bilberry may be beneficial to people suffering from different forms of eye disease, including glaucoma, caused by high intraocular pressure to diabetic retinopathy which again, is caused from damage to the micro-vascular circulation in the retina of the eye. This is why Bilberry, with its potent antioxidants (anthocyanosides), is used in combination with other supplements. Once again, Bilberry does not “cure” problems of the eye, but when used in a conscientiously applied prevention program does a remarkable job.

Zeaxanthin
Zeaxanthin is a member of the carotenoid family of compounds and in 1994, a large study at five eye centers across the United States showed that people who ate foods with the highest amounts of two carotenoids – Lutein and Zeaxanthin – had the lowest risk of developing macular degeneration. Zeaxanthin helps protect the macula by blocking the activity of peroxide free-radicals, a mechanism different from that of Lutein making them a perfect synergistic combination for the prevention of macular degeneration. Lutein Plus is one of the “must use” supplements in your journey to keep yourself as healthy as you can for as long as you can. The evidence is in and it is strong, take Lutein Plus daily.