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Lutein can be a Natural Way to Protect Against Skin Cancer

By John Bradstreet

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Published: 13Aug2009
Word count: 755
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According to the Centers of Disease control and Prevention (CDC), skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, are highly treatable forms of the disease. The third most common form of the disease, melanoma, is the most dangerous, especially among young people. They estimate that between 65-90% of melanomas are attributed to exposure to UV light. The CDC also reports that in 2005 8345 people died of melanoma.

There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of skin cancer. Some of these are a family history of the disease, a light natural skin color, blond or red hair, blue or green eyes and a history of sunburns at an early age.

Ultraviolet light (UV) is an invisible form of light and can come from several sources. The most common being the sun but also from tanning beds and sunlamps.

With the summer months upon us and more people outside in the sun we must think of how to protect ourselves from the damaging effects of UV light and skin cancer. There is good news due to recent studies that there is a natural way to help in this effort. Lutein has been found to help us do this from the inside.

Lutein has been known for its ability to protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) for some time now, but there is new evidendence that it can also help protect one from the dangerous effects of UVB light and skin cancer.

Lutein can be found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale as well as in egg yolks. It is a potent antioxidant that may help protect our skin from the harmful effects of sun damage.

Dr Salvador Gonsalez of Harvard University led a study in this area. He is quoted as saying "Lutein has been widely recognized for its eye health benefits for several years. But, our data is the first of its kind to suggest that lutein may have the potential to act as a preventative agent against UVB-induced skin cancer. Dr Gonsalez goes on to say "In addition, these data suggest that lutein protects the skin against damage caused by exposure to UVB light, further validating our position that lutein is a critical component to overall skin health".

Lutein is present in the eyes and skin of the human body. In addition it is found in the cervix and breasts of women. It acts as a powerful antioxidant protecting us from the effects of aging. It also has the effect of filtering light which helps protect us from the damaging effects of the sun. It is not produced by the body and must be obtained from diet or supplementation.

There are two types of harmful rays found in sunlight, these are UVA and UVB. The first, UVA rays are responsible for contributing to the wrinkling of skin and the development of skin cancer. UVB rays are the ones that are primarily responsible for sunburn and skin cancer.

A good sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) can be effective in blocking both UVA and UVB rays, but there are some other things you must be aware of to protect yourself and your family.

- When in the sun wear wrap around UL-blocking sunglasses. The reason for this is that over time exposure to UV light can cause cataracts and age-related macula degeneration which is an irreversible form of blindness.

- For parents, always protect your children's skin. Studies have shown that even one severe sunburn can double the chance of skin cancer later in life.

- When applying sunscreen always check the expiration date. Most have a shelf life of three years or less.

- Consumption of 6 mg. of lutein a day, either from diet or nutritional supplementation is recommended.

-Wear protective clothing to protect exposed skin and a wide brim hat to protect head, eyes, ears and neck.

- Seek shade during the hottest part of the day when UV light is most intensive.

In conclusion, while sunlight can be damaging there are also benefits to sunlight. This is where we also receive some of the vitamins our bodies require. Exposure to the sun should be done in moderation and by taking some of the steps that I described above to minimize the negative effects can also be a lot of fun. Enjoy your summer.

John Bradstreet is an experienced Biochemist with extensive knowledge in nutritional supplementation. He has more than 25 years in his field. To learn more about the benefits of lutein we have included additional links at the bottom of the page to help educate you on the subject. Or you can subscribe to our Vitamin and Supplement blog.

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