I believe most people know carrot is good to people. But as why, many people don’t know. It doesn’t contain much vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. It has low anti- oxidation ability. It is not rich in fibers. Except for a large amount of β-carotene which can be turned in to vitamin A, it is not outstanding in other nutrients. 

But lately it is popular among people for researches have found that α- carotene is related to the rate of death. That means, if there is more α- carotene in the blood, people will have less chance of suffering diseases. In other words, there is more hope for people to live longer.

In fact, it is confirmed by lots of researches that eating more vegetables and fruit can reduce the chance of getting cancers and heart diseases and thus extend people’s lives. But as why, and what factors result in the longevity, people know little.

Before, people used to regard β-carotene in vegetables and fruit as the reason for the longevity and even extract it to let the subjects to eat it for a long time. But the expected results of extending people’s lives, and preventing cancers and heart disease did not happen. However, the other carotene brings people a new hope. People have found that it is 10 times stronger than β-carotene in inhibiting cancer cells. Besides, it is strong in preventing the abnormal change of DNA. Research found that there is more α- carotene, there is less chance of suffering from heart diseases of subjects.

A large- scale survey conducted in USA, for 15318 Americans found that, people with the highest level of α- carotene (higher than9μg/dL) have 39% less risks of death. Researchers found α- carotene a most effective factor for reducing risks of death. In other words, taking more α- carotene means health and longevity.
And then, people may wonder where this lovely α- carotene comes from? Of course, it mainly comes from carrots.

When comparing the amount of β- carotene, carrots are sure to be the champion .But other green vegetables also contain much β- carotene, such as spinach and edible amaranths. But as for α- carotene, carrots can be the only champion. People should also know that α- carotene can stand the high temperature. Cooking carrots in the meat soup will not cause the loss of α- carotene. Instead, cooking in this way helps people better absorb it.

Though the price of plenty of vegetables is raised, the price of carrots still stays comparatively low. It is lucky as carrots are healthy and delicious, no matter stewed, cooked, fried or braised. But there is one thing to notice: eating too much may cause your skin yellow and thus, we suggest you eat less than 200 grams per day. But even if your skin turns yellow, you can stop eating carrots or other yellow vegetables and fruit. One or two weeks later, the yellow color will fade away, without any side- effect.