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International Carrot Day

The Carrot Day was founded 2003 to spread knowledge about the carrot and its good attributes around the world. The day is increasingly popular and April 4th 2012 carrot celebration was reported from France, Italy, Sweden, Russia, Australia, UK and Japan.

The carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is a root vegetable, usually orange in colour, though purple, black, red, white, and yellow cultivars exist. Carrots are a domesticated form of the wild carrot, Daucus carota, native to Europe and southwestern Asia. The plant probably originated in ancient Persia and was cultivated for its leaves and seeds. The most commonly eaten part of the plant is the taproot, although the greens are sometimes eaten as well.

The health benefits of carrots include reduced cholesterol, lower risk of heart attacks, prevention of certain cancers, improved vision, and reduced signs of premature aging. Furthermore, carrots have the ability to improve the skin, boost the immune system, improve digestion, protect cardiovascular health, detoxify the body, and boost oral health in a variety of ways. They also provide a well-rounded influx of vitamins and minerals.

Cool! Have a carrot or two! And perhaps you might get the urge to read more about the good things in carrots and other vegetables. Have a look at "Pharmacy in vegetables", by Yulia Berry:


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