Pigments known as carotenoids are bountiful in green leafy vegetables and colored fruits, with specific carotenoids known as lutein and zeaxanthin found in kale and spinach and lycopene abundantly present in tomatoes. .Explaining that scientists since the late 1700s have postulated that consumption of certain food pigments may correlate to improvements in human vision, James M. Stringham and colleagues studied whether dietary consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin may impact visual performance. The team found evidence for the role of these two carotenoids in reducing glare effects, specifically via the involvement of macular protein in absorption of short-wave scattered light.
Compounds In Fruits and Vegetables Benefit Eye Health
Spinach and tomatoes are abundant in specific carotenoids that benefit visual performance by reducing glare effects.
James M. Stringham, Emily R. Bovier, Jennifer C. Wong, Billy R. Hammond, Jr. “The Influence of Dietary Lutein and Zeaxanthin on Visual Performance.” Journal of Food Science, Published Online: 11 Dec 2009.
RELATED ARTICLES