(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.
same day cleaning service Bannockburn ..The secret of success is knowing how to deal with... Read More
If you are like most people, you don't enjoy the... Read More
AgingHow did aging appeared?If mechanism of Death was chosen by... Read More
Heart Disease remains the number one cause of death in... Read More
Here's a conundrum: While experts agree that high cholesterol and... Read More
Having spent most of my life living off of junk... Read More
Fat is a nutrient that is a contributor to the... Read More
Could it be possible that our beloved chocolate may actually... Read More
If you are like most people, you are probably confused... Read More
An American culture that is marked by a chronic lack... Read More
After we have eaten a meal -- and often we... Read More
ABC News has recently focused on the possible anti-aging benefits... Read More
The importance of protein in a healthy diet is well... Read More
Besides providing taste, color, and aroma, certain seasonings can also... Read More
Fad diets have been around for more than 50 years... Read More
Do you want more energy? How about more of the... Read More
Aging occurs when the body's cells die at faster rates... Read More
I'm sure by now you've heard all about the amazing... Read More
Do we really need a home water filter? Can't we... Read More
Eating healthy is fast becoming a way of life. American's... Read More
Having a large amount of such "visceral fat" is associated... Read More
OmegaRx Fish Oil, quoted as being close to a Medical... Read More
Just what is the "New Biology of Health?" And who's... Read More
Because I believe diet and exercise are so important, I'm... Read More
The sugar industry and the food manufacturers are capitalizing BIG... Read More
housekeepers near Deerfield ..Your magnificent machine is, in fact, a symbiotic collection of... Read More
It's really hard to believe that something could be worse... Read More
Established in 1989 by Stephen DeFelice, "Foundation for Innovation in... Read More
Are you concerned about taking care of your body before... Read More
We know we need to eat a minimum of 5... Read More
White-spotted or yellow splotched teeth may reveal more than needed... Read More
Hi Readers,My message today is simple short and perhaps blunt... Read More
You can trust me that I make sure to take... Read More
Like the Sun, Moon, and Earth, there are three kinds... Read More
Beverages - and not just alcohol - are a significant... Read More
DIETARY SOURCES OF GLUTATHIONE: Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant and... Read More
Looking for an easy and natural way increase your vitality... Read More
Sprouts not only taste good, but they are also a... Read More
Your face turns flush and your skin starts to itch.... Read More
AgingHow did aging appeared?If mechanism of Death was chosen by... Read More
Are You Half The Man Your Father Was?It is a... Read More
Secretly we all want just a few things in life,... Read More
I read a lot about the topics of health and... Read More
You may have heard that essential fats are an important... Read More
Unhealthy eating is a harmful problem in America, and contrary... Read More
Before we get to honey we have a question from... Read More
Did you know that much of our dry skin comes... Read More
It would be fair to assume that almost everyone on... Read More
Are Your Cells Talking To Each Other?Communication! It permeates our... Read More
Millions of people around the UK consume dairy products on... Read More
Nutrition |