Anti-cancer effect
Zeaxanthin, like many carotenoids, can resist the damage of cells and organs caused by free radicals in the human body. Studies have shown that zeaxanthin is more effective than β-carotene in inhibiting the auto-oxidation of cellular lipids and preventing cell damage caused by oxidation. The peroxidation of cellular lipids is related to the growth of tumors, which shows that zeaxanthin has Reduce the occurrence of cancer and enhance immune function.
Prevent cardiovascular disease
Studies have reported that people who consume more carotenoids daily have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (Angiocardiopathy). Researchers have found that zeaxanthin can inhibit the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) under in vitro conditions; zeaxanthin can significantly reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction and help slow down the process of arteriosclerosis.
Prevent cataracts
Zeaxanthin is one of the only two carotenoids in the lens. It has 11 conjugated double bonds in its molecule and has a hydroxyl group on the tail end. This structure gives it strong antioxidant capacity. As a strong antioxidant, it can quench singlet oxygen and the triplet state of photosensitizers, scavenge damaging oxygen free radicals, prevent membrane lipid peroxidation, reduce the formation of lipofuscin, and thereby prevent the formation of cataracts. Research shows that people with high intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin are 19% to 22% less likely to develop cataracts than people with low intakes. Prevent age-related macular degeneration
Without a normally functioning macular area, a person’s main visual function will gradually be damaged, and there may even be a risk of blindness. At the center of the macular area, the incident light is strongest and the most reactive oxygen species are produced. A large number of epidemiological research results also show that zeaxanthin has the effect of specifically absorbing blue light, which is the most damaging to the retina, thereby protecting the cone cells in the fovea of the retina. Many studies have shown that a short-term increase in zeaxanthin intake can increase macular pigment, thereby enhancing the macular area’s ability to resist damage from harmful substances and light rays, and preventing and slowing down age-related macular degeneration.
In addition, zeaxanthin itself has high nutritional value. After consumption, it can be converted into biologically active vitamin A in the human liver, which can promote the growth and development of the human body, protect vision and epithelial cells, improve disease resistance, enhance memory, It has special effects such as extending life span.