Lutein - found in egg yolks - is increasingly in the news internationally with more and more products touting the fact they contain added lutein. Lutein is of particular benefit for the eye, helping preserve the eye against macular degeneration and cataracts, and studies suggest it may even reduce the risk of Cardiovascular Disease. _⁽¹⁾

Lutein is important to those who are aging, as is protein, with the loss of protein tissue being significant as we age. Eggs provide an excellent source of dietary protein that is inexpensive, easy to prepare and readily available. Protein slows the rate of muscle loss and facilitates muscle development. ⁽²⁾

Eggs truly are one of nature’s original health foods.

1. Handelman GJ, Nightingale ZD, Lichtenstein AH, Schaefer EJ, Blumberg JB.  Lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in plasma after dietary supplementation with egg yolk.  Am J Clin Nutr 1999; 70:247-251.
2. Lyle BJ, Mares-Perlman JA, Klein BE, Kelin R, Greger JL.  Antioxidant intake and risk of incident age-related nuclear cataracts in the Beaver Dam Eye Study.  Am J Epidemiol 1999; 149:801-9.