Two leading global researchers Lewis Rubin, MD and Billy Hammond, PhD and nutrition expert, Tara Gidus, presented in'sight'ful information and the hottest research all about eyes. I picked up lots of nuggets that I'd like to share with you all.
80% of vision impairment is avoidable. As a glasses-wearer myself, I wish I would have cared about eating for health as a child and teen.. maybe it would have spared my vision? I toasted to eye health this morn with a breakfast plate of veggie omelet, fresh fruit, and a glass of OJ.
What is Lutein?
- it's a carotenoid and antioxidant that cannot be made by the body and can only be found through eating certain foods
Why do I need to eat lutein?
- it absorbs light that can damage the retina and protects against oxidative damage
- lutein is so important for babies as their eyes and brain are developing and it's a critical time for them to get the right nutrition through breast milk, which means mommy needs to have a diet high in lutein
- lutein works with DHA to help improve memory, motor skills, problem solving, and verbal abilities
- even more benefits like delaying signs of aging, improving skin elasticity, and cognition
What foods are high in lutein?
***Cooked vs Raw?? Cooked wins! Cooking spinach increases the bioavailability of lutein. 1 cup cooked spinach contains 24 mg whereas raw only contains 2 mg. (Coolest thing I learned all day...hence the lunch inspiration)
How much do I need?
- 6 mg per day
- The average American intake is 1.5 mg and kiddos less than 10 years old consume <1 mg.
Did you know nutrition played such a central role in keeping eyes healthy? Which foods do you like to eat that help you meet your lutein quota?
