Eh, what's up, doc? - Ingredient Spotlight - Carrots

We are willing to bet that as a kid, your mom also told you to eat your carrots in addition to your spinach. But did you? If you're anything like us, then probably not. You maybe even tried to pawn them off on someone at school for a Rice Krispy bar. Then right after, stating no tradesies backsies :D Hate to break it to you, but once again, your mom was right. Here are several reasons why carrots should be a part of your diet. 

• 52 calories
• 12.26 grams (g) of carbohydrate
• 3 g of sugars
• 1.19 g of protein
• 0.31 g of fat
• 3.6 g of fiber
• 1069 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A
• 7.6 vitamin C
• 42 mg of calcium
• 0.38 mg of iron
• 15 mg of magnesium
• 45 mg of phosphorus
• 410 mg of potassium
• 88 mg of sodium
• 0.31 mg of zinc
• 24 mcg of folate
• 16.9 mcg of vitamin K 

Fantastic For Vision 

Carrots won’t cure pre-existing vision problems, but they can protect against sight issues caused by vitamin A deficiency. The body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A, and that's important for healthy eyes. Carrots can prevent things like cataracts as well as night blindness, which keeps eyes from adjusting to the dark. If you're looking to get Superman-like x-ray vision, unfortunately, carrots can't grant you that. 

Dental Health 

Carrots kill harmful germs in the mouth and help prevent tooth decay. However, you should still go to the dentist. If anything, they will be impressed by your pearly whites. 

Stops Memory Loss  

Beta-carotene in the vegetables—especially from carrots—protected the central nervous system against aging. An 18-year Harvard study determined that when men consumed 50 mg supplements of beta-carotene every other day, cognitive decay was delayed for the equivalent of 1 to 1.5 years compared to those who took a placebo. The last thing you want is to forget picking up your Meal in a Jar order if you're utilizing one of our pickup hubs. 

Digestive Benefits 

Rich in antioxidants, carrots also contain chlorine and sulfur that help the liver rid itself of toxic waste. Fiber adds bulk to stool (aka, poop), which helps it pass smoothly through the digestive tract, and stimulates the secretion of gastric juices. Altogether, this reduces the severity of conditions like constipation and protects your colon from various serious illnesses, including colorectal cancer. No more chalky Metamucil for you in order to stay regular. The more you know. 

Remember that episode from The Magic School Bus when Arnold turned orange from eating too many carrot snacks? Don't worry, you would have to eat a tonne of carrots in order for that to happen (see what I did there?). Come to think of it, maybe that's how Trump gets his healthy orange glow (shots. fired. pewpew!). We have even more great news! We make it easy for you to get your carrot fix. Jars like our Pulled Pork & Smashed Potato, Veggie Showdown and Cowboy Casserole are loaded with carrot goodness.