Do THIS and Watch Stress Melt Away
By
Natalie Moore
Posted May 3, 2017
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
There’s no doubt about it — stress is a killer.
And when left unchecked, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and even diabetes.
Fortunately, some researchers from the University of Georgia recently discovered two miracle plant compounds that can help shield your body from the devastating effects of stress.
They attack stress right at the source – and may end up boosting your brain and vision in the bargain.
I’m talking about lutein and zeaxanthin, two powerful nutrients found in leafy greens and other veggies.
For years, scientists have been studying them, because they can help protect your eyes from age-related macular degeneration and help keep your memory in tiptop shape.
More recently, scientists looked at how they can help quell your stress.
For the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, researchers split up a group of participants. Half took lutein and zeaxanthin supplements, and the other half took a placebo.
Before the trial and at six and 12 months after starting the supplements, all participants had their blood cortisol levels measured as well as psychological stress and mood ratings.
Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone,” and it’s been linked to lots of the health problems associated with stress.
After six months, the lutein and zeaxanthin supplements significantly decreased cortisol levels, and improved patients moods and psychological stress ratings.
Even better, after 12 months, the results either maintained or improved.
Experts believe these two nutrients are so powerful because they’re antioxidants, which can hunt down free radicals and fight oxidative stress — two key drivers of all disease.
In this study, participants took a 10mg of lutein and 2mg of zeaxanthin.
It would be challenging to get doses this high from your diet.
So your best bet would be lutein and zeaxanthin supplements, which you can pick up at your local pharmacy.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Sources
[1] Stress symptoms: Effects on your body and behavior
[2] Lutein and zeaxanthin isomers demonstrates improved psychological stress levels
Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
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