Did you know that a WWII Propaganda Campaign Popularized the Myth That Carrots Help You See in the Dark
Here is why carrots are good for your eyes…
Vitamin A
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a carotenoid pigment which is an essential precursor for vitamin A. Deficiencies in vitamin A are the leading causes of blindness in the developing world. Lack of vitamin A can also lead to:
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Xerophthalmia (a disease which is characterized by dry eyes, swollen eyelids and corneal ulcers)
Lutein
Carrots contain lutein, an important antioxidant. Lutein-rich foods are known to increase the density of pigment in the macula, the yellow-shaped oval area in the center of the retina. As pigment density increases, the retina is protected more and the risk for macular degeneration decreases.
But why they won’t help you see better in the dark. Check out this great article by Smithsonian Magazine.
Article: A WWII Propaganda Campaign Popularized the Myth That Carrots Help You See in the Dark
