A Goji Berry a Day Keeps the Cataract Doctor Away

There are only two protective pigments in the human lens and retina -Lutein and Zeaxanthin. These two are both yellow pigments. Research indicates that of the two pigments, Zeaxanthin is more important. In the macula (central retina) Zeaxanthin is found at a 2 to 1 ratio to Lutein centrally. Lutein is at a 2 to 1 ratio to Zeaxanthin in the less important peripheral macula. Both Lutein and Zeaxanthin protect the lens from cataract formation.

The P.O.L.A. study published in 2006 indicted that high levels of both Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the diet protect the macula from age-related macular degeneration. Only high levels of Zeaxanthin in the diet however, were shown to protect the lens from cataracts.

Zeaxanthin is less common than Lutein in foods we typically eat. A small amount of Zeaxanthin is found in green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, broccoli, and mustard and collard greens. A bit more is found in egg yolks. A better source of Zeaxanthin is found in orange (not green) peppers. The best source of Zeaxanthin in nature is goji berries (also known as wolf berries). These can be purchased in dried form and resemble dried cranberries in taste and appearance.

Since Zeaxanthin is an important protective yellow pigment for the eye, and is sometimes difficult to get in a normal diet, taking it in supplement form makes sense. At Dr. Steven Lutz and Associates, we recommend and sell EyePromise daily eye supplement, which contains 8mg of Zeaxanthin and EyePromise Z-10 which has 10mg Zeaxanthin in pure olive oil. Both supplements cost about 50 cents a day.