Do Carrots Help You See In The Dark?

Have you ever wondered; Do carrots help you see in the dark? Well ... simply put, yes and no. Carrots contain Vitamin A, otherwise known as Retinol (and some readers may already be drawing the link between “retinol” and “retina”).

What is Retinol?
Retinol is what your body requires in order to synthesize Rhodopsin. This is the pigment in your eyes which operates in low-light situations and thus allows you to see better in the dark.

If you have a Vitamin A or Retinol deficiency, you will develop nyctalopia or night blindness. Eating a lot of carrots could be a great way to straighten this out, but only to the point of a normal healthy person. Likewise, eating carrots for a normal healthy person would only cause such an infinitesimal gain in night vision.

Where exactly did this “fact” come from?
Is it a rumour made to get kids to eat their vegetables? Or is it a piece of heartfelt public health information?

Well, no. Like many other rumours it was government propaganda. Well, a step up from that actually, as it was wartime government propaganda.

During the early stages of World War II, The Battle of Britain was taking place over the United Kingdom and the Luftwaffe was bombing British cities.

Each night with the cover of darkness came the hum of bomber engines as they crossed the channel, determined to bomb the British into submission.

However, an invention known as Radar was helping the Brits detect the incoming Luftwaffe and scramble their RAF fighters in time for effective intercepts.

Not wanting the Germans to know this, the Air Ministry made a lot of press releases announcing their pilots were eating lots of carrots to help them have exceptional night vision. It was so successful that not only did they fool the German High Command, but they also managed to fool the British people and that’s where the old wives tale comes from.
Above words and picture taken from here

Talking about carrots, as one of the most well-known root vegetables, carrots top the charts as one of the most nutritious. They’re brimming with vitamins A and K, as well as the important antioxidant beta-carotene. What’s more, eating carotenoids may protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss. Carrots make a great snack when eaten raw or dipped in hummus, but they can also be cooked and used in stir-fries, stews or side dishes.

Have you tried Red Roasted Carrots

see details here

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan