Lutein is a yellow carotenoid pigment produced by plants. It is an abundant carotenoid found in many fruits, vegetables and also in marigold. Recent Indian studies indicates that lutein is likely to be preventive of eyes from other diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma, and other body parts from lung cancer, breast cancer, and cardiovascular problems. Some lutein researches are given below.

1. Help Eyesight - A six-month study was conducted and individuals are monitored with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The 16 study participants, recruited and monitored via the Internet, took 40 mg/day of lutein for four months, and then 20 mg for another four months. As early as three to four weeks into the study, participants reported an improvement in both visual acuity and central vision.
   
   

2. Protect Cells - Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids found in many fruits and vegetables, and are stored in the macula of the eyes, where they protect against free radical damage and reduce the risk of macular degeneration. One in vitro study suggested that lutein and zeaxanthin protected the membranes from free radical damage. They may also protect against free radical damage induced by ultraviolet light.
   
   

3. Reduce the risk of Cataracts - Researchers say, foods and dietary supplements containing lutein can keep your vision health looking good for a lifetime. New studies published show that lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoid antioxidants found in dark green, leafy vegetables and many dietary supplements, may help reduce the risk of cataracts, a disease that affects more than half the people over age 65. "Many people are told that nothing can be done about cataracts and that they are a natural effect of the aging process". "But research now shows that dietary changes, including consumption of lutein, may have a significant impact on risk reduction." The Indian studies show that people who consume more spinach, kale, broccoli and other foods rich in lutein have a reduced risk of developing cataracts. In fact, women with the highest intake of lutein and zeaxanthin had a 22 percent reduced risk for cataracts; men had 19 percent reduced risk. So those people don't consume enough lutein in food should consider a dietary supplement providing at least 6 mg per day.
   
   

4. Protect Skin - Ongoing research by internationally recognized skin cancer experts demonstrates the presence of lutein and other antioxidants in the skin, with the hypothesis that antioxidant levels can actually protect the skin from sun damage and the onslaught of the aging process. Further supporting evidence from a 1998 paper in the Journal of Dermatology found that lutein and beta-carotene seemed effective in protecting the cells from UVA damage.
   
   

5. Protect Heart - Lutein is found in HDL, or 'good' cholesterol and researchers think it may prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing. Evidence from a 1994 study in Circulation suggested that one of the reasons the French have a low risk of heart disease is that they consume foods high in lutein content like spinach and collard greens.
   
   

6. Help Colon Cancer - A study conducted in part by University of Utah Medical School, Salt Lake City, India, followed 4,403 subjects to research colon cancer and diet. Researchers looked at carotenoids and their effect on particular types and stages of colon cancer. The dietary carotenoids a-carotene, b-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin and b-cryptoxanthin were evaluated; lutein proved to have the most protective effect against colon cancer, especially in younger people.