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.
View More Free Articles
The Secret Ingredient to a Longer, Happier Life
Let’s face it. We’re all in need of an attitude adjustment from time to time. After all, when you turn on the news these days, the world can seem pretty dark. That is unless you make it a practice to look for the silver linings. In fact, Harvard researchers say when you do, something quite...
Do You REALLY Need All Those Skincare Products?
I often get questions about skincare products—and here’s what I’ve learned. In today’s beauty-obsessed world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending hundreds every month believing you need countless products to fight aging and achieve healthy, glowing skin. However, many dermatologists argue that LESS is MORE when it comes to skincare. Simplifying your...
“Ebb and Flow” Technique TRANSFORMS Senior Brain Health
You know by now that exercise is good for you. It keeps your heart healthy, your muscles strong, and your waistline trim. But what if I told you that a trendy “ebb and flow” workout technique—often associated with young fitness enthusiasts—could actually be a game-changer for us “oldsters” when it comes to brain health? And...
Mailbag: Slash Your Risk of Bone Fractures as You Age
“My doctor recently told me that I have osteoporosis. What can I do to reduce my risk of fractures and maintain strong bones as I age?” – Margaret Hi Margaret, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’m sure it was a shock. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and it’s not...
Household Favorite EXPOSED as Cancer Risk?
We all want to believe that the products we use daily are safe. After all, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be on store shelves, right? Well, I hate to break it to you, but sometimes, the truth is far more alarming than we’d like to admit. The World Health Organization (WHO) has just dropped a...
Hidden Heatwave Threat REVEALED
Heat waves can have serious consequences. After all, staying cool isn’t just a comfort issue. When the mercury soars, it threatens your health—especially when you’re a senior. There are various reasons for this, including chronic medical conditions and bodies that just don’t regulate temperature as well as they once did. But there’s another heat-linked threat...
The Hidden Threat Behind Your Achy Joints
Picture this… You’re trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park, but each step sends a jolt of pain through your knee. Or maybe you’re attempting to open a stubborn jar lid, only to have your fingers refuse to cooperate, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless. Perhaps you’re simply trying to get out of...
Parkinson's Signs You Can't Afford to Miss
Imagine waking up one day to find your body betraying you. Your hands tremble as you try to button your shirt. Your feet shuffle when you want to walk with purpose. Once strong and clear, your voice now barely reaches above a whisper. This is the reality for those living with Parkinson’s. But what if...
Do Protein Needs Drop with Age? The SURPRISING Answer
I had a patient ask me the other day if they needed as much protein now as when they were younger. After all, we aren’t quite as active as seniors compared to when we were spring chickens. It’s a good question. And the answer might surprise you… Remember when you could devour a whole pizza...
Follow Your “Gut Feeling” to Reduce Diabetes Risk
It seems like every day we learn something new about the incredible influence our gut has on our overall health. From mood to immunity, and even to how well we sleep, the community of microbes in our digestive tract is pulling the strings behind the scenes. So, it should come as no surprise that researchers...