Lutein and zeaxanthin are the most common xanthophylls in green leafy vegetables (e.g., kale, spinach, broccoli, peas and lettuce) and egg yolks. The natural sources of astaxanthin are algae, yeast, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp and crayfish. These nutrients support eye health through stem cell support.
Found in most adult tissues, adult stem cells have two primary properties: They can self-renew, i.e., they have the ability to go through numerous cycles of cell division while maintaining their undifferentiated state. They have, as a group, unlimited potency, i.e., they have the capacity to grow into any cell type. Alpha Lipoic acid starts as the catalyst to renew adult stem cells! Alpha-lipoic acid can be eaten in foods, such as red meat, carrots, beets, spinach, sweet potatoes and broccoli! Quercetin is found in Green tea, onions, broccoli Kale, grapes.
Flavonoids, such as quercetin, are antioxidants. They scavenge particles in the body known as free radicals which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals. They may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage free radicals cause.Rutin may have multiple benefits for the eyes and vision. Rutin is present in tea leaves, apples, buckwheat, asparagus and other fruits and vegetables. Rutin is converted in the gastrointestinal tract to quercetin, which is known to have potent anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Rutin is known to help regulate blood flow and strengthen blood vessel walls. Blood flow to the retina is critical to maintaining clear, sharp vision. Rutin is thought to help protect against blood vessel diseases of the eye, including diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by weak, leaking blood vessels that damage the retina. If not treated properly, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Rutin is thought to strengthen the blood vessel walls.
Rutin can also prevent another blood vessel condition called subconjunctival hemorrhage. This occurs when a blood vessel in the eye bursts. The burst blood vessel may temporarily turn the white of your eye red.
Rutin may also benefit patients with glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease that is almost always caused by too much pressure inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve. Two studies looked at the effect of rutin combined with an herb called forskolin in patients with glaucoma.
One small study of 16 patients found that eye pressure decreased an average of 20% after 40 days of taking the combination of rutin and forskolin. Another study looked at patients awaiting surgery for glaucoma. Eye pressure dropped by an average of 10% after one to three weeks of treatment.
In another study of the rutin-forskolin blend, the plant-based blend was able to prevent a spike in eye pressure that commonly occurs after laser eye surgery. Eye pressure was elevated in the week following laser surgery in those who did not receive rutin and forskolin, while it remained normal in those who did.
Bioflavonoids work best with vitamin C
Vitamin C is a well-known and powerful antioxidant that can help maintain eye health, with particular benefits to the cornea, retina and lens of the eye. Vitamin C is also known as L-ascorbic acid, and is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, such as oranges, grapefruits and broccoli.
Humans are unable to synthesize vitamin C endogenously, so we must get it from our diet. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids work together synergistically, and enhance each other’s antioxidant potential.
The best way to protect your eye health is to eat a varied, healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables. These are also the best sources of a rich array of bioflavonoids. Green tea, black tea and cocoa are also good sources of flavonoids.
Along with regular eye exams, exercise and a healthy diet can go a long way to keeping your eyes healthy.
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