Our eyes allow us to experience the world around us, from the colors of a sunset to the faces of loved ones. So, maintaining healthy eyesight is a critical component of our overall well-being and quality of life. However, caring for vision requires more than just regular eye exams. It also involves lifestyle choices, including the foods we eat.
Research has found that certain nutrients can have a powerful impact on visual health. And one of the most important is lutein. Found in many foods, this nutrient supports healthy eyesight and may even help reduce the risk of developing certain eye-related diseases.
If you’d like to learn why lutein is our top nutrient for eye health, plus tasty ways to work it into your diet, read on.
How Lutein Supports Eye Health
“Lutein is a carotenoid, or a naturally occurring pigment,” says Elana Usdenski, RDa registered dietitian in Ontario, Canada. It is responsible for the yellow-orange hues in many foods, but it is also in leafy greens like spinach and kale.
Here are some ways that lutein helps keep your eyes healthy.
Filters Harmful Blue Light
Lutein plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the eyes by filtering blue light, which can penetrate deep into the eye and potentially damage the delicate retina. Acting as a natural sunblock, lutein absorbs this high-energy light, reducing oxidative stress and protecting eye tissues from long-term harm.
May Protect Against Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is a common eye condition that primarily affects people over 40. It is characterized by an irreversible deterioration of the macula, a small central portion of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision needed for activities like reading, cooking, driving and recognizing faces.
Research suggests that people with high lutein intake are less likely to develop AMD. This nutrient accumulates in the macula, creating a protective layer that absorbs harmful blue light and minimizes its impact on retinal cells. Lutein may also combat oxidative stress, one of the primary contributors to AMD. That’s because “lutein functions as an antioxidant, safeguarding eye cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage,” says Wendy Bazilian, Dr.P.H., RDNa certified exercise physiologist and host of the 1,000 Waking Minutes podcast.
May Lower the Likelihood of Cataracts
Cataracts, which cause clouding of the eye’s lens, are the world’s leading cause of blindness. As with AMD, oxidative stress may contribute to the development of this disease. Fortunately, lutein’s antioxidant action may protect against cataract development by neutralizing free radicals that may damage lens proteins in the eye.
Several studies have found that people who consume more lutein tend to be less likely to develop cataracts. However, not all research agrees, so more study is needed.
May Provide Dry Eye Relief
Chronic eye inflammation can lead to various inflammatory conditions that compromise vision, especially dry eye syndrome. As its name hints, this condition is characterized by dry, gritty eyes due to decreased tear production. It can also cause pain, fatigue, eye sensitivity and tearing. Promising research found that consuming between 3 milligrams and 20 mg of lutein per day for up to 12 weeks may improve symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
May Lessen Eye Strain
In today’s digital age, where prolonged exposure to blue light–emitting screens is the norm, our eyes could all use a little relief. One study suggests lutein’s ability to filter blue light from computers may protect short- and long-term eye health by guarding against oxidative damage. While eating more lutein-containing foods isn’t a replacement for limiting screen time, it may be one additional way to care for your eyes.
How Much Lutein to Eat for Better Eye Health
Unlike vitamins and minerals, there is no official recommendation for lutein consumption. The good news is there are many foods that are rich in lutein. It frequently travels with another vision-supporting pigment called zeaxanthin, giving you a double dose of protection.
You can find both of these pigments in green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli and romaine lettuce. And even though corn doesn’t get much credit for its nutritional content, it is also rich in lutein (peas contain it, too). Lutein is also found in pistachios. If you’re looking for a lutein-rich protein source, think egg yolks. They get their sunny yellow color from lutein.
No matter where you get your lutein, don’t be afraid to add a little olive oil or another healthy fat source. “Lutein is a fat-soluble compound that therefore requires fat to be present in order to be absorbed in the body from our foods,” says Bazilian.
Strategies to Include Lutein
Load Up on Green Veggies. Incorporate lutein-rich spinach, kale or broccoli into casseroles, pasta or stir-fries for a nutrient-packed meal, like our Baked Spinach and Feta Pasta. Or, start your meal with one of these tasty spinach salads.
Don’t Toss the Yolks. If you’ve been avoiding eggs, it’s time to add them back to your rotation! Egg yolks are loaded with nutrients, including lutein. In addition to whipping up eggs for breakfast, add them to salads, baked goods and snacks like these Classic Deviled Eggs.
Eat More Corn! Lutein-rich corn is an often-overlooked vegetable that can have powerful benefits for eye health. Of course, it’s delicious on the cob. But don’t underestimate the convenience and versatility of frozen corn. Keep a bag in your freezer to toss into any of these 15 Recipes That Start with a Bag of Frozen Corn.
Blend Leafy Greens into Smoothies. Adding dark leafy greens like spinach, kale or romaine lettuce to your smoothie is a convenient, delicious way to increase lutein intake. Try our Anti-Inflammatory Cherry, Beet & Kale Smoothie for a sippable source of lutein.
Snack on Pistachios. Research has found that eating 2 ounces of pistachios every day may significantly improve eye health by increasing lutein levels. We don’t need to tell you that pistachios are a healthy, satisfying snack on their own. But if you have a little extra time on your hands, try them in these Savory Date & Pistachio Bites.
The Bottom Line
We don’t hear about lutein often, but this plant pigment works in multiple ways to maintain and protect eye health. As a natural antioxidant, it helps shield the eyes from harmful blue light and oxidative stress, which can lead to conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. And it may also help combat inflammation that can lead to uncomfortable dry eye syndrome.
If you’re wondering where you can get lutein, it’s found in lots of foods, especially dark leafy greens, colorful vegetables, corn, eggs and pistachios. So, load your shopping cart with them! Because who doesn’t want to see the world as clearly as possible?
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