Carrots

Of all the commonly consumed 
vegetables, carrots provide the 
highest amount of provitamin A 
carotenes.   Carrots also offer an 
excellent source of fiber, vitamin 
K, and biotin.  They are a good 
source of vitamins B6 and C, 
potassium, and thiamine. 

Carrots contain a large amount 
of antioxidant compounds which 
help to protect against 
cardiovascular disease and 
cancer.  The high intake of 
carotene has been linked with a  
20 percent decrease in postmenopausal breast cancer and up to a 50 percent decrease in the cancers of the 
cervix, bladder, colon, prostate, larynx, and esophagus.  Extensive studies have 
shown that a diet that includes at least one carrot per day could cut the rate of lung 
cancer in half.  

Carrots are also effective in promoting good vision, especially night vision.  Beta-
carotene provides protection against macular degeneration and the development of 
senile cataracts - which is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly.