Moms are often filled with kind words of wisdom. But when it comes to food and nutrition, is their advice always scientifically accurate? My granny always says that carrots are gud for eyes....i thought she was telling this just to make me eat coz of my shortsightedness. But later i came to know what she told was 100% true and some amazing facts for u which i read. Carrots are good for your eyes: Granny was right! Carrots contain beta-carotene, a carotenoid pigment found in bright orange fruits and vegetables that is also a precursor for vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a major role in eyesight by preventing night blindness and helping with the maintenance of a healthy, clear cornea (outer membrane of the eye). Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, mango, cantaloupe, and apricots are all rich sources of beta-carotene. Carrots also contain a compound called lutein, an antioxidant almost always paired with zeaxanthin. Studies have shown that eating foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin can increase the pigment density in the macula-and greater pigment density means better retina protection, and a lower risk of macular degeneration. Other lutein rich foods include kale, spinach, Swiss chard and other dark leafy greens

Carrot, rawNutritional value per 100 g Energy 40 kcal

Carbohydrates: 9 g

Sugars: 5 g

Dietary fiber: 3 g

Fat:0.2 g

Protein:1 g

Thiamin (Vit. B1) : 0.04 mg

Riboflavin (Vit. B2) : 0.05 mg

Niacin (Vit. B3) : 1.2 mg

Vitamin B6 : 0.1 mg

Vitamin C : 7 mg

Calcium: 33 mg

Iron : 0.66 mg

Magnesium :18 mg

Phosphorus : 35 mg

Potassium : 240 mg

Sodium : 2.4 mg

Amazing but Facts about Carrots:

In 2005, a poll of 2,000 people revealed that the carrot was Britain's third favourite culinary vegetable.

Carrots are noted in popular culture for being the favorite food of rabbits, and are also associated with fictional rabbits such as Bugs Bunny. However, rabbits finding carrots in a garden are more likely to eat the exposed greens than to dig up the root.

For the purposes of the European Union's "Council Directive 2001/113/EC of 20 December 2001 relating to fruit jams, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut purée intended for human consumption" carrots can be defined as a fruit as well as a vegetable. This is because carrot jam is a Portuguese delicacy.

A common urban legend is that carrots aid a human being's night vision. It is believed that disinformation introduced in 1940 by John "Cat's Eyes" Cunningham during the Battle of Britain was an attempt to cover up the discovery and use of radar technologies . It reinforced existing German folklore and helped to encourage children to eat the vegetable.

Lack of Vitamin A can, however, cause poor vision and can be restored by adding Vitamin A back into the diet.

The world's largest carrot was grown in Palmer, Alaska, by John Evans in 1998, weighing 8.614 kg (18.99 pounds).

The world's largest carrot statue is located in Ohakune, New Zealand.[5]

Carrots are traditionally used as noses when building snowmen.

The comedian and entertainer "Carrot Top" is named after a carrot because of his bright orange hair.

Susan Dey, of Partridge Family fame, was said to have eaten so many carrots during her bout with anorexia and bulimia that her skin literally was tinged with orange - a condition called carotenosis. [6]

Holtville, California holds an annual festival devoted entirely to the carrot.