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| Carrots: Not Your Average Vegetable!
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The cultivated carrot as we know it today is a far cry from the wild carrot found growing about 5,000 years ago in the area now known as Afghanistan. These wild varieties were purple or black, and had a tough, fibrous texture. Carrots only became orange in the 1500's when patriotic Dutch growers developed a carrot in an attempt to nationalize the country's favorite vegetable. In 1940, Britain's Air Ministry invented the carrot myth, which was that a diet of carrots gave pilots night vision in order to see Nazi bombers attacking at night. This propaganda was spread to conceal the fiercely kept secret of Royal Air Force's interception radar, which was able to pinpoint enemy bombers before they reached the English Channel. The Germans fell for these lies because this myth was already a part of their folklore. Carrot Nutrients Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A. They are also a very good source of vitamin K, biotin, and fiber as well as vitamins C and B6, potassium, and thiamin. Nutrient Values of Raw Carrots per 100g Calories: 41kcal Energy Value: 173kj Total Fat: 0.24g Carbohydrates: 9.58g Sugars: 4.74g Dietary Fiber: 2.8g Protein: 0.93g Sodium: 69mg Zinc: 0.24mg Potassium: 320mg Iron: 0.30mg Magnesium: 12mg Copper: 0.045mg Calcium: 33mg Vitamin C: 5.9mg Vitamin E: 0.66mg Vit. B3 (Niacin): 0.983mg Vit. B6: 0.138mg Vit. B1 (Thiamin): 0.066mg Vit. B2 (Riboflavin): 0.058mg Glycemic Index In a study to determine the Glycemic Index (GI) of various vegetables, it was concluded that raw carrots have a GI of 47, as opposed to beets at 64 or white potatoes around 80. Vision A recent study of 1,155 women suggests that higher intake of certain fruits and vegetables such as carrots may be associated with a decreased risk of glaucoma. Beta-carotene provides protection against macular degeneration and the development of cataracts in the elderly. The results of studies of night-blind pregnant women showed that a diet of vitamin A rich foods like carrots was beneficial in improving night blindness. Cardiovascular Disease Carrots are an excellent source of antioxidant compounds, and in a 15-year study on elderly Dutch men, it was concluded that dietary intakes of alpha-carotene and beta-carotene from carrots and other vegetables help protect against cardiovascular disease. In another study that examined the diets of 1,300 elderly persons, those who had at least one serving of carrots and/or squash each day had a 60 percent reduction in risk of heart attacks compared to those who ate less than one serving of these carotenoid-rich foods per day. The Cancer Connection High carotene intake has been linked with a 20 percent decrease in postmenopausal breast cancer and up to a 50 percent decrease in the incidence of cancers of the bladder, cervix, prostate, colon, larynx, and esophagus. Extensive human studies suggest that a diet including as little as one carrot per day could conceivably cut the rate of lung cancer in half. Reprinted from www.elements4health.com Want to give your kids the benefits of carrots? Check out First Juice, a vegetable/juice blend for toddlers that's based on carrot juice (both orange & purple carrots). It's certified organic and low in sugar. Available at Whole Foods and other natural foods stores; for more info visit www.firstjuice.com Related Info: The Healing Power of Foods The Health Benefits of Green Foods Raw Food: Quick and Convenient Energy Eating For Health Dr. Andrew Weil on Eating for Optimal Health Dr. Elson Haas on diet and nutrition Jack LaLanne on nutrition and aging well John McDougall, M.D. on diet and nutrition Dean Ornish, M.D. on low-fat diets and nutrition John Robbins on vegetarianism and healing the planet The Wisdom of Organic Agriculture Natural Weight Loss Program recommended by The Share Guide: learn more MORE
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