What is Lutein?

Lutein, also known as "plant lutein", is an oxygen-containing carotenoid and a type of photosynthetic pigment. It is widely found in many plants in nature, such as marigolds, bananas, kiwis and corn, and is especially abundant in dark green vegetables such as spinach, kale, green broccoli and asparagus. Lutein cannot be synthesized in the human body and must be taken in through food or supplements. Lutein has a unique chemical structure and is a lipophilic substance that is usually insoluble in water but soluble in oils and fatty solvents. It has good heat resistance, is non-toxic and harmless, and is a natural anti-oxidant raw material that has many health benefits for the human body.

What are the effects of lutein?

1. Anti-oxidant raw material: Lutein, as an antioxidant, can effectively neutralize free radicals in the body, slow down the cell oxidation process, and protect cells from oxidative damage, thereby helping to delay the aging process and prevent cardiovascular sclerosis, coronary heart disease, and tumor diseases.
2. Protect eye health: Lutein is the main pigment that constitutes the macular area of ​​the human eye retina and has a good protective effect on the retina. It can absorb harmful light such as blue light, reduce the damage of blue light to the eyes, and promote the regeneration of rhodopsin in retinal cells, prevent severe myopia and retinal detachment, and improve vision and relieve symptoms of eye fatigue. In addition, lutein can also help reduce the formation of drusen and prevent vision loss and blindness caused by age-related macular degeneration of the retina.
3. Improve sleep quality: Lutein also has the function of regulating brain neurotransmitters, which can increase the secretion of melatonin, making it easier for people to fall asleep, thereby improving sleep quality. In addition, lutein can also remove free radicals in the body, reduce physical stress, and help relax the body and mind.
4. Skin care and beauty: Lutein also helps maintain skin elasticity and smoothness, slows down the formation of fine lines and pigmentation, and has certain skin care and beauty effects.

What are the uses of lutein?

1. Dietary supplements: Lutein is widely added to dietary supplements, such as lutein tablets, lutein capsules, etc., to facilitate people's daily supplementation. These supplements are usually recommended to be taken after meals to improve absorption and utilization.
2. Food additives: Because lutein has natural, nutritious, and multifunctional characteristics, it is in line with the development direction of food additives, so it is often directly added to foods, such as beverages, candies, cakes, etc., to increase the nutritional value and health attributes of food.
3. Pharmaceutical raw materials: Lutein is also widely used in the medical field, such as for the prevention and treatment of eye diseases, such as dry eye syndrome, macular degeneration, etc. In addition, lutein is also recommended as a cancer preventive, life extender, ulcer inhibitor, etc.