The cultivated carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is a root vegetable of the Umbelliferae family, usually orange in colour, though purple, red, white, and yellow varieties exist.

History and Origin
The earliest vegetable definitely known to be a carrot dates from the 10th century in Persia and Asia Minor and would have been quite unlike the orange rooted carrot of today. It is considered that Carrots were originally purple or white with a thin root, then a mutant occurred which removed the purple pigmentation resulting in a new race of yellow carrots, from which orange carrots were subsequently developed.

World Carrot Museum - It is a virtual museum whose mission is to educate, inform and amuse visitors through the collection, preservation, interpretation and exhibition of objects relating to the Carrot.

Varieties and History of carrots in Australia - World Carrot Museum

Reference Values for Nutrition - FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Nutritional Value of Carrot - USDA United States Department of Agriculture

Protect against cancer (In population studies, higher blood levels of total carotenoids and of beta-carotene are linked with a lower risk of overall cancer).

Protects against macular degeneration (Carrots protect against macular degeneration because their beta-carotene is converted into Vitamin A (essential for eye health), and other carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin found in carrots also support eye health and protect against age-related eye diseases. This antioxidant action helps maintain the health of the eye's tissues and can reduce the risk of conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Help lower blood pressure (Carrots can help lower blood pressure because of their high potassium content, which helps the body excrete excess sodium and relax blood vessels, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and stroke). They also contain other beneficial compounds like fiber and antioxidants that further support heart health.

Bone Strengthener (Carrots contain small amounts of calcium and phosphorus and some Vitamin K, all of which support bone health). Calcium is a primary bone-forming mineral, and phosphorus works with calcium to maximize its bone-strengthening benefits. Magnesium also plays a crucial role in keeping bones strong, and a deficiency can compromise bone health. While carrots provide these nutrients, they also contain Vitamin C, which is needed for collagen production, an important component of bone tissue.

Better diabetes management (Carotenoids in carrots are linked to a reduced risk of diabetes and better diabetes management due to their antioxidant properties and ability to improve insulin sensitivity, though more clinical research is needed). While carrots are part of a healthy diet for those with diabetes, the overall carbohydrate content must still be monitored, and clinical evidence on the efficacy of these compounds in managing diabetes in humans is scarce. 

Cleansing and colon health (Carrots aid in body cleansing and colon health due to their high fiber content, which promotes regular bowel movements by adding bulk to stool, preventing constipation, and helping to move waste through the digestive tract). The fiber also supports beneficial gut bacteria and can help transport antioxidants to the colon, where they protect against oxidative stress and potentially reduce the risk of colon disease. 

Maintain overall eye health Help (Carrots, rich in beta-carotene which converts to Vitamin A, help maintain overall eye health and are essential for night vision, but they will not improve eyesight for someone with a healthy, balanced diet). Eating carrots will improve vision if you are suffering from a Vitamin A deficiency, which can cause night blindness, but this is rare in countries like Australia. The idea that carrots dramatically improve vision is largely a myth, stemming from a World War II British propaganda campaign that falsely claimed carrots were the reason for their pilots' success

Immune booster (Carrots boost immunity through their high levels of beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A, an essential nutrient for immune cells and the protective mucus layer in the body's airways and gut). Carrots also contain other antioxidants, fiber, and various bioactive compounds that modulate immune cells and promote anti-inflammatory responses, enhancing the body's ability to fight off infection and illness

Cardiovascular benefits (Carrots have cardiovascular benefits primarily due to their richness in antioxidants and potassium). The antioxidants in carrots, such as carotenoids, protect the body from oxidative damage and may lower the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Potassium helps maintain heart rhythm and relaxes blood vessels, which can help lower blood pressure.

Healthy Hair, Skin and Nerves (Carrots contribute to healthy skin, hair, and nerves through their beta-carotene (Vitamin A) and Vitamin C content). Vitamin A promotes healthy skin and hair, while Vitamin C is crucial for skin health, nerve function, and the production of collagen. Phosphorus is present in carrots, though in smaller amounts than many other key nutrients, and is important for healthy nerves and bones. 

Carrot - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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