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Carotenoids

Sleep Is Fundamental for the Eyes, Brain and Overall Health

senior having trouble with sleepGetting enough sleep is crucial to your daily life and long-term health. However, many seniors struggle to get sufficient sleep. They also may have difficulty with the quality of sleep. What do the statistics show? How bad is sleep deprivation for your health? And what are some natural solutions?

Shocking Sleep Statistics

Sleep comes naturally. So why do we see these shocking sleep statistics?
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Alzheimer’s Disease, Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration: New Research

lifestyle choices such as exercise have an influence on senior healthNew research studies have found strong relationships between lifestyle and the aging brain. How can you help prevent or delay Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia? The eye’s retina is brain tissue. Not surprisingly, researchers have found connections between Alzheimer’s Disease, glaucoma, and lifestyle. What does the new research show? Are nutrition, supplements, exercise, and smoking avoidance shown to help?

What Are The Chances?


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Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Carotenoids Fight Macular Degeneration

macular degeneration can cause loss of central vision - try omega-3 fatty acidsAge-related macular degeneration is an eye disease you do not want to get! One of the treatments is injections directly into the eye on a regular basis. The consequences can be devastating. The loss of central can steal your driving independence and your ability to recognize faces, watch TV, read, do crafts and hobbies, and cook. Research studies on carotenoids and essential fatty acids such as omega-3 fatty acids show hope for preventing and supporting Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD or AMD).
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Blue Light & Your Vision (and more!)

We have written extensively about how excess exposure to blue light can, over time, negatively affect vision. Not only does it affect our vision and ability to fall asleep, but it can also harm skin health, and neural pathways in the brain are affected in various ways.

Blue Light Sources

Blue light is emitted from all handheld electronic devices, desktop and laptop computers, and televisions. It is emitted from the little LED lights above your stove, fluorescent lighting and LED bulbs.  And, of course, blue light comes from sunlight.
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Vision Empowerment – Part II

vision empowerment foodIn the article, we discussed several essential nutrients for the eye and overall health. This follow-up article focuses on several additional important nutrients: astaxanthin, PUFA’s (polyunsaturated fatty acids), and trehalose.

Bird’s Eye View
This article examines several nutrients that are important for the eyes and overall health. The nutrients come in many forms, and all represent building blocks for well-being. They are:


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Three Top Nutrients for Eye Health

eye exam antioxidantsDid you know that there are three nutrients that are fundamental to visual health? Why are they so important?

The top three nutrients for your eyes (and brain) are lutein, zeaxanthin, and mesozeaxanthin.  Lutein, zeaxanthin and mesozeaxanthin are primarily found in the macula, that center part of the retina essential for detailed vision.  They are found, not only in the macula, but in all of the retina, in the lenses, and in the aqueous humor.  People with macular degeneration, other retinal diseases, and cataracts are deficient in these nutrients.

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Basic Duo: Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Salad rich in Lutein and ZeaxanthinThese powerhouses provide a great starting point for your vision nutrition. Lutein and zeaxanthin (along with mesozeaxanthin) are carotenoids, a class of mostly yellow, orange, or red fat-soluble pigments, including carotenes, which give color to plant parts such as ripe tomatoes.

These macular pigments act as an internal pair of sunglasses to protect the retina from the damaging effects of UV radiation and blue light.  They support microcirculation in the tiny capillaries within the eye.  They protect the functions of the immune and anti-inflammation systems within the different regions of the eye.
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Mesozeaxanthin: Star of Macular Carotenoids

carotenoid supplements and foodsMesozeaxanthin, less well-known than lutein and zeaxanthin, is the most powerful antioxidant of the threesome, but the combined trio presents the most potent protection for the eye than any of the three carotenoids alone.1  Out of all of the roughly 7000 carotenoids known in nature, it is these three that are found in great concentrations in the macula, the key part of the retina, responsible for central vision.


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  1. Li B, Ahmed F, Bernstein PS. (2010-12-01). Studies on the singlet oxygen scavenging mechanism of human macular pigment. Arc Biochem Biophys. 504(1):56–60.

Zeaxanthin and Lutein Save the Eyes and Improve Brain Circulation

corn with lutein

The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin help keep the eyes healthy. A new study has found that these nutrients also improve the circulation of blood to the brain. Seniors experience gradual cognitive decline. A recent study showed that taking enough of these antioxidants halted cognitive decline. Research supports the idea that nutrition has a direct impact on the brains and eyes throughout one’s lifespan from infancy (breast milk contains lutein) to old age.1


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  1. Johnson EJ. (2014). Role of lutein and zeaxanthin in visual and cognitive function throughout the lifespan. Nutr Rev. Sep;72(9):605-12.

Astaxanthin: Carotenoid with a Difference

salmon mealThe lowly microalgae in the ocean produce astaxanthin for their protection against environmental stressors and light.  Fish and crustaceans consume microalgae and retain the bright red color that we see in salmon, sea trout, shrimp, and krill.

When we enjoy savory salmon, the benefit of the astaxanthin that it contains extends to our vision, brain, circulatory system, immune system, etc., but with a difference. It provides significantly greater antioxidant protection (10x to 100x more) than other antioxidants.1 2 3
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  1. Chiro.org. Antioxidants: Relative Singlet Oxygen Quenching Rates. Retrieved Apr 16 2018 from http://www.chiro.org/nutrition/FULL/Antioxidants_Relative_Singlet_Oxygen_Quenching_Rates.html.
  2. Kurashige M, et al. (1990). Inhibition of oxidative injury of biological membranes by astaxanthin. Physiol Chem Phys Med NMR. 1990;22(1):27-38.
  3. Rodrigues E, et al. (2012). Scavenging capacity of marine carotenoids against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in a membrane-mimicking system. Mar Drugs. Aug;10(8):1784-98.
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Natural Eye Care, Inc.
3 Paradies Lane
New Paltz, New York 12561
Phone: 845.475.4158

Natural Eye Care

NaturalEyeCare™ started in 1999 to help the public and professionals learn about complementary care in eye disease treatment.

The information and recommendations we offer are based on over 30 years of peer review research and personal clinical experience which guides us in providing a valuable resource to our readers, customers and patients regarding maintaining healthy vision naturally.

We believe that vision health is intimately connected to overall mental, physical and spiritual health. Therefore we encourage people to look at their overall lifestyle and diet as part of keeping healthy vision and reducing the risk of eye disease onset. This includes diet, regular exercise, and management of daily stress. If one has health issues such as high blood pressure, a thyroid imbalance, any autoimmune disease and/or are on medication(s), these possible contributions to eye disease should considered when working with your health care professional.

Please do not hesitate to call us at 845.475.4158 with any questions and concerns.

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