Why is it important to eat carrots?

Carrots are an important part of any diet because they are an excellent source of vitamin A, as explained by Diana Herrington of Care2. The beta-carotene in carrots is converted into vitamin A by the liver. Falcarinol, a natural pesticide produced by carrots, acts as an anti-cancer agent in humans.

Besides its conversion to vitamin A, beta-carotene also acts as an antioxidant to cell damage, which helps slow the aging process, according to Herrington. Vitamin A and antioxidants work together to protect the skin from sun damage, helping to prevent dryness and premature wrinkling of the skin. Research also shows that diets high in carotenoids such as beta-carotene can help prevent heart disease and stroke.