Yellow fruit and veg contain an anti-oxidant called beta-carotene, which gives the fruit and veg its yellow/orange colouring. Beta-carotene is a pre-cursor (inactive form) of Vitamin A.
A small area at the back of the eye which allows the eye to see small detail is called the macula. This contains the yellow 'macular pigment' which contains several antioxidants called carotenoids which are thought to help protect the macular area from damage from excessive sun-light.The most important carotenoids are thought to be lutein and zeaxanthin and to maintain appropriate levels of these in the yellow pigment we have to eat foods that contain them (or take supplements)
Some foods that contain low but useful levels of lutein and zeaxanthin:
- Winter and summer squashes,
- Sweetcorn whether tinned, frozen or fresh
- Gala melons
- Egg yolks
- Papaya
- Oranges and tangerines