O consumo do fruto de pequi como fonte de luteína e zeaxantina

Abstract

Pequi is a native fruit of the Brazilian Cerrado, with high nutritional and cultural value, presenting in its chemical composition expressive levels of carotenoid antioxidants, among which are the xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin. These xanthophylls, also known as macular pigments, are the only carotenoids in the macula lutea , whose concentration in this region is much higher than in any other human tissue. This paper presents a review of scientific data concerning the performance of these two antioxidant pigments as essential to lowering the risk of developing age -related macular degeneration. According to literature, the regular consumption of foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin is essential, since carotenoids are not synthesized by the human body. This paper aims to present the pequi fruit as an alternative food source of the macular pigments lutein and zeaxanthin.