GNLD News

Carotenoids Promote Healthy Arteries

The carotenoid lutein, (found in spinach, kale, and other leafy green vegetables) appears to prevent the thickening of neck arteries associated with atherosclerosis. This new study1 from University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and University of California doctors just might explain why diets high in carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables seem to protect cardiovascular health. After studying the results from 480 people between the ages of 40 and 60, scientists discovered that people with the highest blood levels of lutein experienced the least arterial thickening over a period of 18 months. Additionally, arterial cells treated with lutein were less prone to inflammation. The study shows that an increased dietary intake of lutein could very well be protective against the development of early atherosclerosis.

Experts recommend that you eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Unfortunately, most people do not consume enough carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables to reap the health benefits of lutein. To help reach the optimum serving of these beneficial foods, consider GNLD's Carotenoid Complex. Each capsule delivers an optimal serving of carotenoids, including lutein, from tomatoes, carrots, spinach, red bell peppers, apricots, strawberries, and peaches. Plus, the benefits of Carotenoid Complex have been demonstrated in human studies conducted by USDA and university researchers!

1Dwyer, JH, Navag M, Dwyer KM, Hassan K, Sun P, Shircore A, Hama-Levy S, Hough G, Wang X, Drake T, Merz CN, Fogelman A.M. Oxygenated carotenoid lutein and progression of early atherosclerosis: the Los Angeles atherosclerosis study. Circulation, 2001 Jun 19, 103 (24):#2922-7.