There are benefits of zeaxanthin to plants and to people. It is one of the xanthophylls, yellow pigments produced by plants and algae.

In the plant, zeaxanthin benefits include absorption of light energy for photosynthesis and to protect chlorophyll from being damaged by the sun.

Animals and humans cannot produce xanthophylls or other carotenoids. Yet they are essential nutrients for human health. Carotenoids are converted within the body to vitamin A, which performs many metabolic functions and is necessary for good vision.

The benefits of zeaxanthin to human health have to do with how well you see today and how well you see in the future.

The area inside of the eye that transmits images to the brain and allows us to see is called the retina. Zeaxanthin benefits the retina, because it is a primary component of it. Other nutrients that make up the retina include lutein, another of the xanthophylls, and DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid.

Specifically, zeaxanthin benefits and supports the strength of the macula. The macula is the area where central vision occurs. A disease that affects it is called Age-related Macular Degeneration or AMD.

A connection has been established between low blood concentrations of xanthophylls and AMD. Low levels of DHA have also been associated with the condition.

Other risk factors include high blood pressure and oxidative stress.

Several studies have shown the benefits of zeaxanthin and lutein in preventing blindness that is often the outcome of AMD. Good sources of the nutrients include kale, turnip greens, collards, romaine lettuce, broccoli, zucchini, corn, garden peas, Swiss chard and Brussels sprouts.

If none of those vegetables is included in your daily diet, supplementation is a good idea. Anyone can develop AMD and there is no treatment.

A recent study indicates that zeaxanthin benefits include a reduced risk of ovarian cancer. There is, as yet, no complete explanation, but it has been shown that low blood levels of micronutrients are connected to an increased incidence of ovarian cancer.

The importance of micronutrients to the human body is a relatively new area of study. We know a lot about basic vitamins like A and E, but we don't know much about tiny amounts of other nutrients that exist in plant foods.

Researchers are calling those micronutrients.

So, we may learn that there are more benefits of zeaxanthin, in the area of cancer prevention, as time goes by. Many of the micronutrients have anti-cancer activity.

Another recent study measured blood levels of women with endometrial cancer and found that lycopene and beta-carotene concentration is low in women with that form of cancer. Lycopene, found in tomatoes, has long been recommended to help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

You may think of the zeaxanthin benefits to your long-term, rather than your short-term health.

Everyone wants to live a longer healthier life. Judging by the latest research, the best way to do that is to increase your intake of micronutrients.

Now that you know about the benefits of zeaxanthin, you might want to learn about choosing a good multi-nutritional supplement.