Lutein is a carotenoid—the colorful antioxidant pigments in fruit and vegetables—that is essential to the eye and brain. In this study, 40 healthy adults, age 50 or older, ate one avocado per day, or a medium potato or one cup of chickpeas instead, as part of their regular diet. Each avocado provided about 369 mcg of lutein.
After six months, lutein levels had increased 15 percent in the non-avocado group and 25 percent for avocado. The avocado group also saw a 26 percent increase in macular pigment density of the eye, and had improved attention and memory in cognitive tests.
Reference: Nutrients; 2017, Vol. 9, No. 9, 919
Natural Insights for Well Being January 2018
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