Interesting Facts:

  • Carrots originated in Afghanistan.
  • They were purple, red, white and yellow, never orange.
  • Ancient Greeks believed carrots made both men and women amorous ;) .
  • The Dutch invented orange carrots in the 16th century in honor of the Dutch Royal Family by cross breeding pale yellow carrots and red carrots.
  • China is the worlds leader in carrot production. 35% of the world carrot as of 2004 was from China.
  • 3 carrots can give you enough energy to walk 3 miles.
  • A teaspoon holds about 2000 carrot seeds
  • Carrot is 87%  water.

 

Nutritional Facts:

Carrot is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin k, dietary fibre, vitamin C and potassium.

Boiled, cooked or steamed carrots provide more (as much as 600%) antioxidants such as beta-carotene than raw carrots.

Beta-carotene boosts immune system and reduces risk of cancer

Below are a few benefits of carrots:

  • Improved vision
  • Cancer prevention
  • Immune boosting
  • Anti-aging
  • Healthy skin
  • Healthy teeth and gum
  • Prevents heart disease

 

I didn’t know all of this before my little research. I do however eat carrots almost everyday. You should too.

 
 
Scientific American | http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=raw-veggies-are-healthier
Care2 | http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-benefits-of-carrots.html
Herbs for Cure | http://www.aimforherbs.com/betcarben.html
Gone Raw | http://goneraw.com/forum/raw-vs-cooked-carrots