Cool Carrots

Did you know that carrots are by far the richest source of carotenoid phytonutrients, such as beta-carotene? Just one cup of carrots contains 1158% of the RAE for beta-carotene, which, particularly if the carrots have been lightly steamed and served with a little olive oil, our bodies may be able to convert into varying amounts of vitamin A. As an excellent source of carotenoids, which also function as potent antioxidants, carrots help promote good vision, especially night vision, and combat the free radical activity associated with an increased risk of numerous degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and age-related macular degeneration. Carrots also contain a newly discovered phytonutrient, called falcarinol, which may be one reason carrots have been associated with a reduced risk of some cancers. And remember, enjoying whole fresh carrots will provide you not only with the benefits of these phytonutrients, but the entire complex of nutrients whole, fresh unprocessed carrots deliver, including vitamin K, C, folate, potassium, B6 and dietary fiber

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