Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin, found in green leafy vegetables may provide important protection against age-related macular degeneration, a common cause of blindness in older adults. Older adults with the highest dietary intake of carotenoids had a 43 percent lower risk of developing macular degeneration than those in the lowest group. The consumption of vegetables high in lutein and zeaxanthin (e.g., kale, spinach, collards) were especially protective. (Seddon, Ajani, and colleagues, JAMA, 1994)