What specific function do the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin serve when they accumulate in the macula of the eye according to the text?
Answer
Acting as a natural sunscreen to filter out damaging blue light
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids found in high amounts in spinach that play a specialized role in ocular health. These compounds migrate to and accumulate within the macula, the central part of the retina. Once concentrated there, they function analogously to a natural sunscreen, specifically filtering out high-energy, damaging blue light that the eye is constantly exposed to. This filtering action is directly linked to a lower incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
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