CARROTS

Carrots: Fun facts

Facts about Carrots:

• Just one medium carrot or a handful of baby carrots counts as one serving of your daily veggies
• Orange carrots are a great source of beta-carotene. Carrots contain a group of plant pigments called carotenoids, and beta-carotene is a member of this group. These plant pigments were first identified in carrots and therefore their name was derived from the word carrot. Beta carotene is important for eyesight, skin health, and normal growth
• Our bodies turn beta-carotene into vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for good health, especially for your eyes. Carrots are one of the best sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A is good for your bones, teeth, vision, and your skin
• Purple carrots contain purple pigments called anthocyanins, which act as anti-oxidants that protect the body
• Carrots are a good source of fiber, which is good for the health of your digestive system.
• Carrots are a good source of vitamin C and potassium, as well as vitamin B6, folate, and several minerals including calcium and magnesium
• A baby carrot isn't exactly a baby. Baby carrots come from a large carrot that has been rolled over blades and thrown around in a metal cage to be rubbed down to a short, round-ended baby carrot
• An average size baby carrot has 4 calories
• A serving is about eight baby carrots, which is 30 calories, 2.5 grams fiber and more than double the daily recommended vision-boosting vitamin A. One medium carrot has 25 calories, 2 grams fiber and 203% Vitamin A
• Americans eat, on average, 10.6 lbs. of fresh carrots per person per year.
• Carrots have a higher natural sugar content than all other vegetables with the exception of beets. This is why they make a wonderful snack when eaten raw and make a tasty addition to a variety of cooked dishes