Cultivated carrots were basically yellow and purple and were originally based in Afghanistan.The Eastern carrot spread to central and north Asia and then to Japan. Red colored carrot is typical for India and also was introduced to Japan. However, western carrots were characterized by yellow and orange colors, this type is the one who is dominating Europe and America. Carrots are rich in pro-healthy antioxidants both of lipophilic and hydrophilic characters. Carrots of Asian origin belonging to Eastern gene pool are more often purple or red and richer in phenolic and have higher antiradical activity than those from the Western gene pool which now have mainly orange roots. Purple carrots contain high doses of Vitamin A, meaning that it helps to prevent people from having strokes or heart related problems. Carrots also contain vitamin B, C and E as well as calcium pectate which is rich in fiber and help lowering cholesterol levels. Purple carrots also contain purple pigments called anthocyanin, and act as anti-oxidants that protect the body. In addition, studies into the health qualities of purple carrots have shown that they give us extra protection against various forms of cancer and heart disease.
