Carrots (Daucus carota) are rich in carotene, a plant form of Vitamin A that is believed to help prevent certain types of cancer. Numerous studies worldwide, including some sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, confirms that people who eat diets high in carrots and other foods rich in carotene are less likely to develop certain forms of cancer than those who don't. In fact, studies show that even people who are exposed to specific carcinogens such as tobacco and ultraviolet light could reduce their risk of cancer by eating more carotene.

The RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for carotene is 5,000 IU, but cancer researchers suggest that in order to dramatically decrease your cancer risk, you should consume about 12,5000 IU a day. (This isn't too difficult, considering that one grated, raw carrot daily provides about 13,500 units of carotene.)

Carotene is also excellent for the eyes. Carotene permits the formation of visual purple in the eyes, which helps counteract night blindness and weak vision. Three large raw carrots a day may also lower blood cholesterol levels, thus reducing your risk of developing coronary artery diseases, the leading cause of heart attack. Carrots are also a good treatment for diarrhea, and can relieve gas and heartburn.

Some possible benefits of carrots are that they promote eye health, help prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, soothe indigestion, and can help relieve diarrhea.

Carrots can be consumed orally in both juice and soup. For juice, drink 1 to 2 cups daily of homemade or commercially prepared fresh product. As a soup, boil 1 pound of grated carrots and chopped leaves in ¾ cup of water until very thick; then strain. When it comes to carrots, the fresher the product…..the better. From the minute the carrot is picked, the carotene begins to loses its potency.

EAT, and be FILLED