(ARA) - By now you probably think you've heard all of the health reasons there are for eating your vegetables. But recently, researchers from Harvard University have announced that lutein -- a potent antioxidant found in such dark green, leafy vegetables as spinach and kale -- may protect the skin from sun damage.
"Lutein has been widely recognized for its eye health benefits for several years. But, our data is the first of its kind to suggest that lutein may have the potential to act as a preventative agent against UVB-induced skin cancer," said Salvador Gonzalez, M.D., Ph.D., leader of the Harvard research team. "In addition, these data suggest that lutein protects the skin against damage caused by exposure to UVB light, further validating our position that lutein is a critical component to overall skin health."
Lutein (LOO-teen) is a yellow pigment (the yellow is covered up by chlorophyll in green leaves) found predominantly in vegetables. It is also present in the eyes and skin of the human body. In women, lutein is found in the breasts and cervix. As an antioxidant, lutein protects the eyes from the damaging effects of aging. Lutein also acts as a light filter, protecting against the sun's harmful rays.
UVA and UVB rays are two types of harmful rays found in sunlight. UVA rays contribute to wrinkling the skin, as well as to the development of skin cancer. UVB rays are the ones that are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer.
Good sunscreens block both UVA and UVB rays and are critical to skin health. But, you can do even more to protect your skin and eyes when you're outside.
Safety tips to keep top of mind:
It's important to note that when lutein is consumed in foods or vitamins, it deposits in various tissues in the body -- the eyes, the skin, fat tissue and so on. Therefore, it may also be beneficial to apply lutein directly to the surface of your skin. Several skin care products containing lutein are now available and can be purchased online at www.sephora.com or at salons that carry California Tan Heliotherapy sun care products.
For more information about how lutein can help promote healthy eyes and skin, talk to your doctor and visit the Lutein Information Bureau at www.sephora.com.
About The Author
Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: www.sephora.com
EDITOR'S NOTE: Barbara Levine is associate clinical professor of nutrition in medicine at Cornell University Medical College and chairperson of the Lutein Information Bureau.
cleaning service near Bannockburn ..While packages of the artificial sweetener Splenda claim, "made from... Read More
For decades science has been looking for the answers to... Read More
LIFESTYLE WELLNESS = An Adventure of Health + Vitality!Not a... Read More
One must always keep in mind that copper is not... Read More
You can spot a juicer a mile off at the... Read More
Could it be possible that our beloved chocolate may actually... Read More
There are numerous diets out there that guarantee that they... Read More
OmegaRx Fish Oil, quoted as being close to a Medical... Read More
Come on, guys and gals. Those Trix are for kids.And... Read More
Female and male athletes respond to training in a fairly... Read More
Summer is not too far away. It is almost time... Read More
Glucosamine is readily produced in the human body and is... Read More
For the executive, maintaining the much-needed balance between career, family,... Read More
Before we get to honey we have a question from... Read More
Most red and white meats are very fatty and are... Read More
Step 1: Eat five to ten servings per day of... Read More
Since 1994, food manufacturers have required the Food and Drug... Read More
(Part 1 of a Special 5 Part Series on Body... Read More
If you or someone you know suffers from rheumatoid arthritis,... Read More
It is believed that cane sugar was discovered before the... Read More
The Omega Zone Diet and specialists' opinion"Omega RX Zone -... Read More
What Ever Happened to the Basic FourThe USDA was originally... Read More
What is the Atkins diet and how can it help... Read More
Oats (botanical name Avena sativa)An oat is a grass that... Read More
You say you don't know what glyconutrients are? You are... Read More
pet-friendly home cleaners Mundelein ..Fiber is the part of the plant that is resistant... Read More
Oats (botanical name Avena sativa)An oat is a grass that... Read More
Health is the thing. And no matter how many ways... Read More
Nuts are readily available and provide a highly nutritious food.... Read More
Sprouts not only taste good, but they are also a... Read More
With the release of the new dietary guidelines, in the... Read More
Information on potassiumWhen you read about potassium and senate document... Read More
For any kid who grew up eating doughy, thick Wonder... Read More
Many of us sprinkle oregano on our pizza and stews... Read More
Arthritis - if you suffer from this illness, I don't... Read More
The natural antioxidants in Oat Bran can significantly reduce blood... Read More
About 12.6 million Americans currently have heart disease.1.1 million Americans... Read More
If you want to build muscle, lose body fat or... Read More
After we have eaten a meal -- and often we... Read More
Following these simple nutrition guidelines will allow you to lose... Read More
Soy, and most soy-based products, are nutritional powerhouses. Soybeans are... Read More
When Helen Boardman was still a girlish 99, she fell... Read More
Some say they don't or can't buy organic foods due... Read More
Do you know your ph? By getting ph strips at... Read More
It's 5:30 p.m. and you're heading home after a long,... Read More
The confusion about eating healthy and dieting will now be... Read More
Fire ElementAccording to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are five... Read More
"Organic" has some quite specific legal definitions in most developed... Read More
What are Glyconutritionals?The Greek word "Glyco" means "Sugar". Most people... Read More
People want to get the very best they can when... Read More
Nutrition |