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Superfoods For Your Eyes

Superfoods for your eyes are highest in vitamin A and/or lutein and zeaxanthin. Research shows inadequate intake of vitamin A can lead to night blindness, poor vision in dim light and possibly age-related macular degeneration. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids believed to filter high-energy light waves which may cause free radical damage to the eyes. In addition, studies show these phytonutrients may reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration - a leading cause of blindness among the elderly.

Meets Superfood Eyes Criteria

To be labeled a Superfood for your Eyes, one serving* must provide greater than or equal to 100% of the RDA for pro-vitamin A (as RAE – retinol activity equivalents) OR be an excellent source of pro-vitamin A and also contain a significant combined amount (>1000 mcg) of the eye healthy carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin.

• Pro - Vitamin A  Either as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene or beta-cryptoxanthin. These carotenoids can be converted by the body to vitamin A or retinol which is required for proper functioning of the eye in dim light. Inadequate intake can lead to “night blindness” and possibly age-related macular degeneration.

• Lutein + zeaxanthin  These two carotenoids efficiently absorb blue light. Reducing the amount of blue light that reaches the structures of the eye that are critical to vision, may protect them from light-induced oxidative damage.

EXAMPLES

Included: Butternut Squash is a top source of pro-vitamin A carotenoids (127%).

Excluded: Strawberries have essentially no pro-vitamin A carotenoids (0.1%) and only contain approximately 38 mg of combined lutein + zeaxanthin.

*Serving size needs to comply with published NLEA serving sizes or USDA reference amounts for particular foods.