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A well known antioxidant used to supplement eye health called lutein, has been the topic of a small research event by Spanish researchers who have been studying the high antioxidant levels of native extra virgin olive oil.Lutein has long been associated with the the maintenance of healthy eyes and extra virgin olive oil has always had a high levels of antioxidants as well. The researchers have been looking at supplementing olive oil with lutein which is a carotenoid found naturally in green leafy vegetables and for humans acts as an antioxidant.
Lutein along with zeaxanthin accumulate in the macula and retina of the eye.
In studies of age related macular degeneration where the retina begins to deteriorate
lutein has shown to reduce some of the symptoms in a preventative manner.
The Spanish researchers took the lutien from samples of seaweed and then mixed it to the extra virgin olive oil. In Spain the average amount of olive oil consumed per person is thirty milliliters. The thinking behind the study is that it would be very easy if the antioxidant that had been purified to prevent age related macular degeneration was already included in the daily average intake.
According to the research, it took a year and a half to define the method to add lutein without changing the color and taste of the olive oil.