Dr. Jeff Moore D.C.
815.245.4624

The Humble Carrot



Carrot PhotographWhile reading an article on the carrot by Christine Mason, I thought what she said would be a good blog topic. Carrots come in different colors, tastes and phytochemical make-ups. Fossil pollen has been found dating from the Eocene period (thats 34-55 million years ago!). There is evidence that carrots were used 5000 years ago in Afghanistan. Ancient Egyptian temples of 2000 BC are noted to have drawings of carrots on their walls and the carrots are purple!

Carrots can also be light yellow, white, red, green, or black in color. The sweet tasting orange roots (that is the part you eat) were not developed until the 16th century in Holland. All modern day carrots can trace their 'parentage' back to the Dutch.

The orange carrot contains more carotene than any other vegetable or fruit. It is a good source of vitamin A, B6,C,D,E, potassium, thiamine, folic acid, and magnesium.

The carrot was not used as a food until the middle ages but rather as a medicine. This reminds me of Hippocrates who advised us to use our food as medicine and medicine as our food. Pedanius Dioscorides, a Roman surgeon, wrote of the medicinal uses of carrots in 70 AD. He said the Greeks used carrot leaves as medicine for cancerous tumors and the carrot itself was used to ensure healthy bladder function and to stimulate menstruation.

I believe food acts as a preventative for many disease processes. Obesity in children is one that we should all be aware of and strive to eradicate. If you have any questions on your health, visit my web site, drjeffmoore.com to read more. Visit the "Ask Dr. Jeff" page to send me an email or call me 815.245.4624.
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