The first food item that probably comes to mind when you think about improving your eyesight is carrots. This is because we have been told for the longest time that eating those crunchy orange root veggies benefits the eyes and improves vision. Carrot’s benefits to the eyes are a well-known claim but it is up to speculation as to how this claim originates and whether it is supported by science. Hence, before anything else, let us first discuss the history of how this claim came about.
CARROTS AND WORLD WAR II
The idea that carrots improve eyesight dates back to World War II when the British Royal Force started using radar for the first time to spot and shoot down German planes. It is believed that in an effort to keep this new technology a secret from the German army, the British Royal Force started a rumour stating that the reason why their skilled fighter pilot, John Cunningham was able to shoot down so many enemy planes at the darkest of nights was that “he ate a lot of carrots”, which allowed him to see better at night. This fabricated “claim” led the people to believe that eating carrots could help them see better during the mandatory blackouts which were frequent at that time. This propaganda of sort worked so well that people still believe carrots improve eyesight and we are told to eat carrots to improve our vision till to this very day!
Although the origin of this myth may start as mere phoney propaganda, this does not mean it is untrue. Carrots do contain certain compounds that are good for your eyes and here is what science has to say about carrots.
CARROTS AND EYE HEALTH
1. High in antioxidants
Carrots are an excellent source of antioxidants that can help prevent eye damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are compounds that can cause ageing, cellular damage, and chronic illnesses, including eye diseases, when their numbers become too high.
2. Vitamin A
Carrots are a rich source of a carotenoid pigment called beta-carotene, which is an essential forerunner for Vitamin A. Beta carotene is what gives many red, yellow, and orange plants their vibrant colour. Orange carrots are especially loaded with beta carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Lack of sufficient vitamin A can lead to night-blindness if not dealt with sooner. It can also lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and xerophthalmia, a condition characterized by swollen eyelids, dry eyes, and corneal ulcers.
3. Lutein
Carrots also contain an important antioxidant known as lutein. Foods that are rich in lutein can help increase the density of pigment in the macula, the yellow-shaped oval area in the centre of the retina. Yellow carrots are packed with lutein, which can help prevent and protect against age-related macular degeneration, a condition in which vision is gradually blurred or lost.
CARROTS HEALTH FACTS
1. Can carrots reverse bad eyesight?
Consuming a diet rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene is indeed good for your eyesight, but no amount of carrots will restore your vision to 20/20. It is impossible to correct bad eyesight without the help of eyeglasses or contact lenses or eye surgery. However, consuming carrots and a vitamin A-rich diet could improve your eyesight if they are just starting to worsen.
2. Do carrots help your eyesight in the dark?
Eating a vitamin A-rich diet may improve your ability to see in the dark, but it will not cure your night blindness. If your night vision ability is already in a worse state, no amount of carrots or vitamin A-rich diets can bring it back to its original state.
3. Eating carrots alone will not help you maintain overall good eye health
While being a rich source of beta-carotene, relying solely on carrots will not help you maintain good eye health. Studies have shown that long-term consumption of beta-carotene did not increase nor decrease the risk of macular degeneration. The best way to ensure good overall eye health is to adopt a diet that contains all the essential nutrients- nuts, veggies, fruits, eggs, etc.
Preserva’s Visiongold Juice packs all the essential nutrients needed for your eyes. Featuring the soothing effects of Aloe Vera, the healing power of Curcumin, the therapeutic effects of Triphala and the nutritional benefits of Carrot, the juice is an excellent supplement to improve eye health and prevent eye degeneration in the long-term.
Although carrots may not be miraculous as they claimed to be, yet they nevertheless support healthy eyes and prevent eyes from worsening. Besides, there are many other reasons to eat these crunchy veggies. Here are some of the health benefits of Carrots:
OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS OF CARROTS
1. Support Digestive Health
Carrots are especially great in reducing constipation due to their high fibre content. It also helps in improving overall gut health by improving your gut bacteria or gut microbiome.
2. Stabilize Blood Sugar
Carrot’s rich fibre content also helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Carrots also relatively have a low glycaemic index (GI), which means that they do not cause an alarming spike in blood sugar when you consume them.
3. Supports Heart Health
Red and orange carrots are known to improve heart health due to their high lycopene content, which is a heart-protective antioxidant. It reduces heart disease risk factors like cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
4. Supports Weight Loss
Carrots are known for their low calories and high fibre content. Therefore, consuming them provides the feeling of fullness, which may prevent overeating and help support weight loss.
5. Promotes Hair Growth
Certain antioxidants and vitamins A, C, E presence in carrots are known to benefit hair health. They improve blood circulation to your scalp, nourish the hair tissues and promote hair growth.
Our Tressgrow Oil & Tablets both contain the nourishing power of carrot along with a wide bunch of potent ingredients that are specifically beneficial to hair, as it prevents hair fall, hair thinning and promotes strong and healthy hair growth.
BOTTOMLINE
Even though carrot may not be the end-all solution for all eye problems, it still is beneficial for your eyes. Besides, it also benefits many other health categories, making it a healthy choice of food. If you want to keep your eyes healthy, you should also adopt other healthy lifestyle choices apart from eating carrots and a nutritious diet. Every step taken to improve your eye health can come a long way in maintaining healthy eyesight in the long run. Consult with an eye specialist at the earliest if you notice any changes in your eyesight. Do not neglect them as it can be symptoms of serious eye complications.