 (NaturalNews) Two new studies published in the October issue of Journal of Nutrition have found that eating an egg a day can raise levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the blood, which can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people older than 50, and affects more than 10 million Americans. The disease affects the central part of the retina -- the macula -- which is responsible for controlling fine vision, leaving sufferers with limited sight.
The first study, led by Elizabeth Goodrow of the University of Massachusetts, examined the effects of eating one egg per day on blood levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in 33 men and women older than 60. The participants were fed one egg or an egg substitute per day for a five-week period before switching to a period where the participants did not eat eggs. The researchers found that lutein levels increased by 26 percent, while zeaxanthin levels increased by 38 percent compared to the no-egg weeks. Goodrow's team also noted that the egg-a-day diet did not increase total, LDL or HDL cholesterol, or triglycerides.
"These findings indicate that in older adults, five weeks of consuming one egg per day significantly increases serum lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations without elevating serum lipids and lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations," the researchers wrote.
The second University of Massachusetts study, led by Adam Wenzel, examined the effects of a 12-week diet of six eggs per week on blood levels of lutein and zeaxanthin on 24 women aged between 24 and 59.
The women were randomly assigned to one of three groups: The first ate six eggs per week containing 330 micrograms of lutein and zeaxanthin each; the second ate six eggs per week containing 965 micrograms of the nutrients each; and the third was given placebo.
At the study's end, the researchers found that blood levels of zeaxanthin -- but not lutein -- increased in the two groups that ate eggs, but not in the placebo group. Wenzel also found that the egg groups' cholesterol levels were unaffected by the eggs, though the placebo group -- which took a sugar-filled capsule -- experienced increases in total cholesterol and triglycerides.
"This study once again shows the power of natural medicine found in wholesome foods," says Mike Adams, author of The Honest Food Guide, a free downloadable nutrition guide for consumers. "Eggs are also a good source of protein, sulfur compounds and essential fatty acids."
###
Related Articles
• Lutein boosts eye health, preventing cataracts and macular degeneration
• Pigments in corn, squash and other vegetables may help protect against age-related vision loss (press release)
• Yellow veggies contain natural medicines that prevent blindness, eye degeneration
• Lutein, Zeaxanthin Found to Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration
 |
Additional Resources:
lutein
zeaxanthin
eggs
|
Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com
 Email this article to a friend
 Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us
Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/020564.html
Reprinting this article: Non-commercial OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link.
|
 |
 |
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE
 Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber!
- Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more.
- Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.
|
|
 |
 |
Recommended Special Report:
 Seven Words that can Change the World
by Joseph R. Simonetta
Read this special report now...
"Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com
|
More on NaturalNews.com:
• Streaming Health Ranger Videos
• CounterThink Cartoons
• FREE Special Reports
• Podcasts
|
 |
|
Printable Version
