Aug 27 2010
Supplementing Bread with Lutein: A Way to Increase Antioxidant Intake
Photo by Gastonmag
In an attempt to determine how to increase the public’s lutein intake, Spanish scientists have been studying how lutein fortified bread and muffins may effectively deliver the nutrient to consumers. Findings published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry show that using high-lutein wheat and corn flower in bread products resulted in “reasonable amounts” of this powerful antioxidant still available in the cookies, muffins, and breads.
Lutein is a carotenoid used in the retina and lens of the eyes. Studies have shown that low lutein levels can be a factor in the development of macular degeneration. Also, those with high concentrations of lutein in their systems are 50% less likely to develop cataracts.
Research on lutein supplementation in food is still ongoing and study authors say that “more research is being carried out to evaluate antioxidant properties of these wholegrain high-lutein food products.”
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