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March 15, 2005
IN THIS ISSUE
MARCH IS “NATIONAL SAVE YOUR VISION MONTH”
The month of March means many things for humans: basketball fever, kids on spring break, green beer, and the infamous get-reacquainted-with-your CPA time (or get-friendly-with-Turbo Tax, as the case may be).
March is also “National Save Your Vision Month.” Betcha didn’t know that one.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) has deemed March as an eye and vision health awareness month. Something about more light in the day, perhaps.
Meanwhile, a recent article in the Harvard Heart Letter states that regular eye exams could provide clues to other health issues, such as heart disease or high blood pressure. Here’s the news release: http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/510107/?sc=mwtn
EYE PROTECTION FORMULA IS JUST THE TICKET
Our Eye Protection formula has four very important eye health ingredients: lutein, zeaxanthin, bilberry, and taurine. Eye Protection is a consistent Top Ten player with our members and has gotten many positive testimonials over the years. However, we’ll start with a little science refresher for y’all who want to tell friends and family about this formula.
LUTEIN AND ZEAXANTHIN – FREE RADICAL FIGHTERS FOR THE EYES
Macular degeneration and cataracts are both common eye diseases for humans as they grow older. One of the major factors in these diseases: free-radical damage to the eyes. That’s why eye health research consistently points to antioxidants, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, as critical.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are carotenes, which are components of the macula (the area of the retina where images focus). These yellow carotenes prevent oxidative damage to the macula so that the eye can focus on fine details.
In a recent study at Ohio State University, researchers found that “lutein and zeaxanthin were nearly 10 times more powerful than vitamin E in protecting the cells in the eye from UV-induced damage.” http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/xantheye.htm
Alas, your body cannot manufacture lutein and must rely on dietary sources for this vital antioxidant. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in variety of fruits and veggies. Dark leafy greens contain good amounts of lutein, yet have low zeaxanthin content. Lutein is highest in corn. Zeaxanthin is richest in orange pepper. And, kiwi fruit, grapes, and the squashes have substantial amounts of both lutein and zeaxanthin.
Marigolds, not likely to be a big part of our members’ diets, are actually an excellent source for lutein and zeaxanthin together.
FAST FACT: FloraGLO™ lutein and zeaxanthin, which we use in our Eye Protection formula, are derived from marigolds!
Here’s what the FloraGLO site has to say about their lutein:
“FloraGLO Lutein and lutein esters are chemically different compounds. FloraGLO Lutein is often referred to as the ‘free’ form of lutein - meaning it is a biologically active antioxidant molecule. In simple terms, it helps stop oxidation before it occurs in the body.”
”FloraGLO Lutein is produced through a patented process where lutein pigments from marigold flowers are formulated into a marigold oleoresin and then purified into a crystalline form. Through this purification process, the resulting FloraGLO Lutein molecules are chemically identical to the lutein found in those green leafy vegetables we eat. Lutein esters are also extracted from marigolds, but remain in the esterified form.”
More recent research has shown lutein to be a promising antioxidant for the skin, reducing the negative effects of ultra-violet radiation on the skin. For more on research that was done in animal studies: http://www.luteininfo.com/skin
But, I digress. Back to eye health and vision protection!
BILBERRY: AN IMPORTANT SOURCE OF BIOFLAVONOIDS
The bilberry plant is a close relative of the American blueberry. Both the berries and the leaves of the bilberry plant have been used for medicinal purposes.
Although bilberry has been used for thousands of years for a variety of health conditions, modern interest in bilberryfor vision emerged due to use by British World War II pilots. Pilots noticed that their night vision was sharper than usual whenever they ate bilberry jam prior to night bombing raids.
FAST FACT: Bilberry is a cousin of the blueberry and both contain the same active ingredient: anthocyanin!
Anthocyanins are protective bioflavonoids, which create violet-blue hues in flowers and plants. Anthocyanins have an affinity for a part of the retina called the “retina pigmented epithelium” or (RPE). Bilberry protects the RPE and boosts oxygen and blood supply to the eye.
More recent studies have focused on other benefits of bilberry. Animal studies have found that anthocyanins may strengthen blood vessels, improve circulation, and prevent the oxidation of “bad” cholesterol.
In December of 2004, another study suggests that bilberry also has antimicrobial effects. Again, I can’t help but digress when it comes to interesting science. ^..^ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15578177
TAURINE: AN IMPORTANT AMINO ACID FOR EYE HEALTH
Taurine is a prevalent amino acid found not only in the retina of the eye, but also in the human brain, heart, blood platelets and in human breast milk.
Taurine is found mostly in meat and fish, but the taurine in our Eye Protection comes from seaweed (good grief, inquiring minds always want to know!)
Just like anthocyanins, taurine has an affinity for the retinal pigmented epithelium. Deficiency in retinal levels of taurine may contribute to retinal degeneration over time, so you don’t want to be caught short on this particular amino acid.
FAST FACT: The body uses taurine to make bile, which aids in the digestion of fats!
ORDERING EYE PROTECTION + SUPPLEMENTARY ANTIOXIDANTS
O-k, so science makes the case for Eye Protection.
Savvy members often ask why we don’t also include important eye health nutrients like vitamins A and E, zinc and selenium in our Eye Protection formula.
We could but we already have a formula with these ingredients. We recommend that members do take one of our Sam’s Advanced Antioxidant formulas, along with Eye Protection, to cover all the bases for optimum eye health.
Still purringly yours,
Guido
Guido Housemouser (The Enforcer) ^..^
Chief Kat and Community Manager
Our Health Co-op
931 Village Blvd, Suite 905-480
West Palm Beach FL 33409
Making Health Affordable Together