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Botanical Name Calendula officinalis |
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Common Names: marigold |
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Parts used: Flowers |
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Actives: lutein (xanthophylls) |
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Introduction: Lutein is a natural pigment of the carotenoid family. It is widely found naturally in fruit and vegetables and also in the marigold plant. Lutein is also known as a xanthophyll antioxidant. It is isolated by solvent extraction from marigold flowers. Our body does not manufacture lutein but it gets lutein by eating foods containing lutein. Lutein is a powerful antioxidant which studies show can contribute to the protection of cells in our body. In our body lutein is present in the eye, blood serum, skin, cervix, brain and breast. |
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Chemistry: Lutein, a chemical found in green vegetables, is a member of a family of substances known as carotenoids. Beta-carotene is the most famous nutrient in this class. Like beta-carotene, lutein is an antioxidant that protects our cells against damage caused by dangerous, naturally occurring chemicals known as free radicals. |
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