Eating an egg a day helps to promote eye health without raising cholesterol levels. Such are the findings of two randomized clinical studies published recently at The Journal of Nutrition.

Eggs provide two powerful antioxidants that have been shown to protect the retina and reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of age-related blindness.

The two studies investigated the two antioxidants: lutein and zeaxanthin, which are part of the carotenoid family (like beta-carotene in carrots) and are the only carotenoids found in the eye. Humans can't make these antioxidants on their own and must get them from foods like egg yolks, fruits and green-leafy vegetables.

Previous research has shown that the lutein in eggs may be better absorbed by the body than it is from other sources such as dietary supplements or spinach (1).

Not convinced yet? Either have eggs right now or find more details about the study from the full press release or visit the American Egg Board and the Egg Nutrition Center Websites.

(1) Chung HK, et al. Lutein bioavailability is higher from lutein-enriched
eggs than from supplements and spinach in men. J Nutr. 2004; 134:1887-
1893.