carrots
Nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day are now recommended, and variety is important because different vegetables benefit different cognitive domains (see also here). Carrots are rich in Beta Carotene, which when eaten in whole foods may reduce the risk of some types of cancer (see also here, here). Carrots are also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for healthy eyesight (see also here). Carrots are not particularly high in antioxidants, as compared to some other fruits and vegetables. But eating regular carrots is better than eating baby carrots. Carrots always increase in antioxidant value when cooked, no matter what the cooking method (see also here). Crops have declines 15% in nutrient value so that just means we have to eat more yummy fruits and veggies! But commercial carrot juice has been found to contain the carcinogen benzene so it is probably best avoided.
Topic summary contributed by Denise.
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