LUTEIN: NOT JUST FOR EYES.Score one more for green leafy vegetables. Lutein lutein /lu·te·in/ (-in) 1. a lipochrome from the corpus luteum, fat cells, and egg yolk. 2. any lipochrome. lu·te·in n. 1. , a carotenoid Carotenoid Any of a class of yellow, orange, red, and purple pigments that are widely distributed in nature. Carotenoids are generally fat-soluble unless they are complexed with proteins. that colors spinach, kale, collards, and their cousins, may help keep arteries from clogging. (It may also protect eyes from macular degeneration, a common cause of blindness in the elderly.) The evidence: * In a study of 480 people, researchers found clearer neck (carotid) arteries in those with higher blood lutein levels. * Exposing the linings of arteries removed during surgery to lutein protected them from white blood cells White blood cells A group of several cell types that occur in the bloodstream and are essential for a properly functioning immune system. Mentioned in: Abscess Incision & Drainage, Bone Marrow Transplantation, Complement Deficiencies , which oxidize LDL LDL - ["LDL: A Logic-Based Data-Language", S. Tsur et al, Proc VLDB 1986, Kyoto Japan, Aug 1986, pp.33-41]. ("bad") cholesterol. LDL is more likely to infiltrate artery walls when it is oxidized. * Mice fed a lutein supplement had 43 percent smaller lesions in their artery walls. What to do: Eat your spinach. Circulation 103: 2922, 2001. |
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