I read that carrots improve your eyesight. Is this true?

Dear Jina.

Yes, it is true! Vegetables and fruits that are high in beta carotene (Bay-tuh KARE-uh-teen) can improve your vision. Dark green, leafy vegetables, as well as orange or yellow vegetables, contain high amounts of this important nutrient. Veggies in this group include carrots, broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, and squash. Orange-colored fruits-like cantaloupe, oranges, and apricots - also contain beta carotene.

Your body changes beta carotene into a form of vitamins A. Vitamin A is used to convert light hitting your eyes retina into signals that are sent to your brain. This is how you "see" objects around you.

Vitamin A also improves your ability to see colors and to see shades of dark and light. People who don't get enough vitamin A can develop "night blindness", meaning that they cannot see well in dim light. Eggs, milk, and liver are also good sources of vitamin A.

Now, when people ask you this question, you can say, "Yes, carrots do improve your eyesight." If they want more proof, just ask, "Well, did you ever see a rabbit wearing glasses?"