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

Improves eyesight - Carrots help maintain healthy eyesight by providing beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, but they do not magically improve vision beyond normal levels. Eating carrots can help correct vision problems caused by a vitamin A deficiency, such as night blindness, but they won't provide superhuman night vision or fix issues like near-sightedness or farsightedness. A balanced diet that includes other fruits and vegetables is also important for overall eye health.

Has cardiovascular benefits - Carrots have cardiovascular benefits because they contain fiber, antioxidants, beta-carotene, and potassium, which can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and protect blood vessels. Studies show that regular consumption is linked to a lower risk of heart disease.

Bone strengthener - Carrots support bone strength by providing vitamin K, which helps the body use calcium, and phosphorus and calcium, which are essential minerals for bone structure. They also contain beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, and this vitamin is important for bone growth and health. Additionally, the vitamin C in carrots aids in collagen production, a key component of connective tissue and bone.

Has cardiovascular benefits - Carrots have cardiovascular benefits primarily due to their fiber, potassium, and antioxidants like beta-carotene. These nutrients can help lower blood pressure, reduce LDL "bad" cholesterol, and protect against oxidative stress in blood vessels.

Antioxidant benefits - Carrots provide antioxidant benefits primarily through beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. These antioxidants help protect cells from damage, support a healthy immune system, improve eye health by protecting the retina from age-related damage, and reduce inflammation. Other antioxidants, like lutein and zeaxanthin, further enhance eye protection, while phenolic compounds can help protect against heart disease.

Skin health - Carrots benefit skin health by providing antioxidants like beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A, to protect against sun damage, promote cell turnover, and increase collagen production. This can lead to a reduction in the signs of aging, help with conditions like eczema, and contribute to a healthier, more radiant glow. They are also a good source of vitamin C, which further supports collagen production and acts as an antioxidant. 

Digestive regularity - Carrots promote digestive regularity due to their high fiber content, which includes both soluble and insoluble types. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool, preventing constipation, while soluble fiber helps regulate digestion. This combination can aid in managing conditions like IBS and may help neutralize stomach acid.

Cleanses the body - Carrots can be considered to help cleanse the body due to their high fiber content, which aids digestion, and the presence of antioxidants that support liver function and toxin removal. They are rich in nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and potassium, which support the body's natural detoxification processes and promote overall health.

Support brain health - Carrots support brain health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which helps prevent cognitive decline and may lower the risk of diseases like Alzheimer's. They are rich in beneficial compounds such as carotenoids (like beta-carotene), lutein, and flavonoids, which protect brain cells from damage, improve memory, and support cognitive function.

Dental health - Carrots benefit dental health by acting as a natural abrasive that cleans teeth and massages gums as you chew. They also stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and fight plaque. Additionally, carrots are rich in nutrients like Vitamin A, which is essential for healthy gums and strong teeth.

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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