Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, something you probably already knew. Here's the skinny on why you want beta-carotene, and carrots, to be regulars in your diet:

• It's an awesome antioxidant. Beta-carotene is a carotenoid that's been studied extensively for it's role in fighting both aging and cancer.
• It's what is called a provitamin-A carotenoid which means that your body can convert beta-carotene into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is crucial to skin and eye health.
• It has strong immune system supporting qualities.

It's a common assumption that the best way to get the most nutritional value out of vegetables is to eat them raw. Interestingly, this is not the case for carrots. The American Chemical Society found that carrots that were cooked and then pureed had as much as 3 times the amount of antioxidants as their raw counterparts. Leaving the skin on is also critical for boosting antioxidant levels, just be sure to scrub them prior to preparation. You can read the full article here.

Here are a few of my favourite ways to take in carrots.

Juicing. I simply love carrot juice. I usually throw 6-8 carrots in my juicer with a giant chunk of ginger and call it good. I never fail to feel more energetic afterwards.

Soup. If I make soup, chances are it is a carrot rich environment. Tons and tons of carrots. From giant chunks in bean soup to the juice&pulp mixed in with a brothier type. Any recipe will do, carrots go with everything.

Salads. Grate a carrot up and use it as either a topping or as the main ingredient as a replacement for lettuce or spinach.

Why don't you leave some of your favourite ways to eat carrots in the comments?