Eating plenty of leafy dark green vegetables may help you see your way to preventing cataracts.An Ohio State University study offers the first laboratory evidence that two antioxidants -- lutein and zeaxanthin -- in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and collard greens can help prevent cataracts. Previous research had suggested these two antioxidants benefit the eyes.In this new study, researchers found that lutein and zeaxanthin helped protect human eye lens cells from exposure to ultraviolet light, a leading cause of cataracts.Lutein and zeaxanthin were nearly 10 times more powerful than vitamin E in protecting the lens cells from UV damage, the study found.The research appears in the current issue of the Journal of Nutrition.
