The Muscle Mag
Commenting on the launch, Anand Swaroop, founder and president of Cepham, stated that the best candidates for eye health are the proven carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. He mentioned that his team found the best way to enhance their product was by using a unique carrier.
“We experimented with different carriers with the goal of keeping the final product free of synthetic additives,” Swaroop explained. “Through this process, we discovered that extra virgin olive oil with oleocanthal provides better stability to lutein and zeaxanthin without the need for synthetic additives or surfactants.”
Swaroop also noted that oleocanthal can aid in the clearance of senescent cells and promote the growth of healthy cells in the body. This is particularly crucial for eye health, as eye cells are highly active biologically and are constantly exposed to oxidative stress.
Eye aging
According to the National Institute on Aging, cellular senescence occurs when damaged cells resist removal by apoptosis, linger, and harm neighboring normal cells. This process can contribute to aging and is linked to the development of age-related macular degeneration.
Signs of eye aging include dry eyes, eye floaters, wrinkles around the eyes, sagging eyelids, dark circles, slow adjustment to glare, and difficulty reading small print. The effects of aging start to appear in the eyes around the age of 40 to 45 and continue into the sixties.
“The optimal time to begin supplementation is around the late thirties,” Swaroop advised. “Cellular senescence cycles are irreversible, so using supplements to delay metabolic pathways is the most effective approach.”
However, researchers have observed that eye aging is occurring at an earlier age due to increased use of digital devices, especially since the onset of COVID-19.
The Mediterranean diet connection
Eye aging can be indicative of overall health. Research has shown that dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet, which comprises plant-based foods and healthy fats, can protect against late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
While more research is needed to determine oleocanthal’s direct impact on ocular aging, Swaroop mentioned that Cepham uses AI tools to explore cellular aging pathways and phytochemicals that may delay the onset of this process.
Additionally, Swaroop highlighted that oleocanthal offers potential health benefits and aligns with a market trend focused on eliminating additives from food products. The polyphenols in Cepham’s customized extra virgin olive oil naturally stabilize macular carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin without the need for common additives derived from corn, wheat, and soy.
“In the realm of wellness, we aim to provide a natural alternative for eye health, steering clear of chemically synthesized additives found in processed foods,” Swaroop emphasized.
