Super Food #8

Did you know that dry eye MAY be a symptom of vitamin A deficiency?  Neither did I until I read Prevention.com issue Nov. 2017 on Super Food #8 (Carrots).   Also, that vitamin A is not only good for your eyes but can help your body fight infection.  

Dr. Axe notes that Carrots are one of the highest contributors of vitamin A and they are also high in vitamins C, D, E & K along with minerals: Magnesium, Potassium and Calcium.  Additionally, carrots are high in fiber content as well.  One should not peel carrots as this is where the nutrients and fiber is located but instead, one should use a strong brush to wash / clean dirt, etc. off.  

The most common misconception is that carrots are bad for diabetics and that they are high in sugar and will raise the blood glucose levels.  However; Dr. Axe, notes that this is false and in fact 1 C of raw carrots only have 10g of carbs and almost 4g of fiber.  However, he does note to be careful with juicing because that concentrates the sugars.  

Now on to some not so great information.  Toxic pesticides are at a much higher level in conventionally grown carrots than in organic carrots.  Carrots are in the top 48 most popular fruits and vegetables with EWG (Environmental Working Group) listing them as 22nd on the list of most contaminated.  Additionally, baby carrots are typically washed in Chlorine before packaging.  Thus, leading us down the path to eat whole (not peeled) organic carrots or locally grown from a farmer you trust or in your own garden!