Malunggay (Moringa), Lutein, and Zeaxanthin.

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Dr. Gary Pack

Lutein and zeaxanthin are supplements which have beneficial effects on eye health and also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. They are yellow pigments related to beta carotene (vitamin A) and are classified as xanthophylls. They reach their highest concentrations in the oval yellow spot on the back of the retina of the eye called […]

View Post

Conditions: Age-related macular degeneration, Cardiovascular disease, Eye health

Supplements: Beta-carotene, Carotenoids, Lutein, Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Zeaxanthin

Foods: Corn, Leafy green vegetables, Mais (corn), Malunggay (moringa)

Miscellaneous: Philippines

Nutritional Supplements for Macular Degeneration.

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Dr. Gary Pack

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in the world, and the number of people expected to have AMD in the United States is rising because of the aging population. Previous studies have shown that people who consume more carotenoids, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids have a lower risk of developing […]

View Post

Mediterranean Diet Effect.

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Dr. Gary Pack

The Mediterranean Diet (MD) describes general traditional diets of countries around the Mediterranean Sea. It includes large amounts of fruits, vegetables, olive oil, some meat and fish, whole grains, and dairy, with moderate use of wine. These foods are believed to be beneficial in reducing chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic problems, some cancers and […]

View Post

Vitamin C and Cataracts in Elderly in India.

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Dr. Gary Pack

KEY WORDS: Alcohol, Alpha tocopherol, Antioxidant, Beta carotene, Cataract, Cortical cataract, Diet, Fuel, India, Lens, Lifestyle, Lutein, Nuclear cataract, Older people, Retinol, Socioeconomic factors, Tobacco, Vitamin C, Work, Zeaxanthin. PMID: 21705085. Summary #815.

View Post

Conditions: Cataracts, Elderly, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency

Supplements: Alpha-tocopherol, Antioxidants, Beta-carotene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin

Miscellaneous: Diet, India, Lens, Lifestyle, Retinol, Socioeconomic, Tobacco (Nicotaina sp.)

Microalgae as Food.

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Dr. Gary Pack

Algae has been used for food for centuries, from Mexico to Africa and Asia. The article reviewed here is about health and nutritional benefits. The growing world population requires cost-effective, easily produced nutritional sources. Algae are photosynthetic (growing using light energy), grow rapidly, reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), and produce more biomass than other types […]

View Post

Lutein and Zeaxanthin Containing Foods.

Posted on May 8, 2011 by Dr. Gary Pack

Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that are beneficial to the eyes. The following foods are high in lutein and zeaxanthin: Broccoli. Buriti, tropical fruit. Collard greens. Corn. Fruits. Leafy green vegetables. Lettuce, dark green. Mustard greens. Piqui, tropical fruit. Turnip greens. Vegetables. NOTE: Read about lutein and zeaxanthin in the Mediterranean diet. Summary #491.

View Post

Conditions: Eye health

Supplements: Lutein, Zeaxanthin

Foods: Broccoli, Buriti, Collards, Corn, Fruits, Leafy green vegetables, Lettuce, dark green, Mustard greens, Piqui, Turnip greens, Vegetables

Miscellaneous: Mediterranean diet

Antioxidant Effect of Astaxanthin.

Posted on April 17, 2011 by Dr. Gary Pack

It is known that phospholipid hydroperoxides (PLOOH) build up in the red blood cells (RBCs) of dementia patients. (Phospholipids include phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine.) PLOOHs are the products of oxidation of the phospholipids of the cell wall membranes. These products of oxidation in the RBCs could impair the transport of oxygen to the brain and contribute […]

View Post

Conditions: Arteriosclerosis (atherosclerosis), Dementia, Elderly, Lipid peroxidation

Supplements: Algae, Astaxanthin, Carotenoids, Glutathione peroxidase, Lutein, Phosphatidylcholine, Phosphatidylethanolamine, Superoxide dismutase (SOD)

Miscellaneous: Phospholipid hydroperoxide, Plants, Xanthophylls

Astaxanthin Reduces Ischemic Brain Injury.

Posted on July 5, 2009 by Dr. Gary Pack

Astaxanthin (ATX) is the carotenoid found in algae, fish and crustaceans which accounts for their color. It is necessary for development and survival of salmonids and crustaceans. ATX in algae protects them from the damage of ultraviolet (UV) light. ATX has been shown to alter liver function in fish. ATX reduces the effects of loss […]

View Post

Conditions: Apoptosis, Ischemic brain injury, Neuroprotection, Oxidation

Supplements: Algae, Astaxanthin, Beta-carotene, Carotenoids, Lutein

Foods: Crustaceans, Fish

Miscellaneous: UV (ultraviolet) light

Cataracts and Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Diet.

Posted on November 1, 2008 by Dr. Gary Pack

The incidence of cataracts is increasing in the U.S. and there is some concern about whether Medicare can continue to cover surgery for cataract removal. This study was done to evaluate the relationships between nuclear cataracts, lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet, serum and macula in a study of women aged 50 to 79. In […]

View Post

Conditions: Cataracts

Supplements: Lutein, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Vitamin E, Zeaxanthin

Foods: Broccoli, Citrus fruit, Collards, Corn, Fruits, Leafy green vegetables, Lettuce, Mustard greens, Soy, Spinach, Turnip greens, Vegetables

Miscellaneous: Lipid peroxidation

Corn Products As Sources of Lutein and Zeaxanthin.

Posted on December 17, 2007 by Dr. Gary Pack

Lutein and zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids found in the macula of the eye, have been shown to reduce the risk of cataracts and age related macular degeneration (ARMD). Corn is the only good source of both lutein and zeaxanthin. Dark, leafy greens contain significant lutein, while two Brazilian fruits, piqui and buriti, contain zeaxanthin. Processed […]

View Post

Conditions: Age-related macular degeneration, Cataracts

Supplements: Beta-carotene, Carotenoids, Lutein, Zeaxanthin