Khaberni - Carrots have long been associated in the minds of many with the ability to enhance vision and even improve night vision. However, the scientific and historical truth reveals that this idea is nothing but an exaggeration that started as a media trick during World War II, before turning into a common belief that lasted for decades.
During the war, the British government claimed that its pilots were able to shoot down German planes at night thanks to consuming large amounts of carrots. Newspapers promoted this narrative, indicating that carrots gave pilots an extraordinary ability for night vision. In reality, the true secret behind this superiority was the use of advanced and secret radar technology, which enabled the Royal Air Force to detect enemy planes in the dark.
In order to keep this technology secret, the government resorted to this story as a means of deception, not only for the enemy but also to boost the morale of citizens and encourage them to consume carrots, which were plentiful during the rationing of food supplies.
The propaganda campaigns contributed to entrenching the idea, spreading posters asserting that carrots “maintain health and help with vision,” and even cartoon characters were created to promote them, as part of efforts to encourage citizens to grow vegetables in their home gardens during the war years.
Scientifically, carrots contain “beta-carotene” which the body converts into vitamin A, an important element for eye health. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to impaired vision, especially in low light, and may result in blindness in severe cases. However, this does not mean that consuming large amounts of carrots gives people superhuman night vision abilities.
Recent studies confirm that vitamin A only helps in treating its deficiency, and does not improve vision in people who are in good health, nor does it slow vision deterioration with age.
Between truth and propaganda, a simple dietary tip has turned into a global myth. Although carrots remain a beneficial food for overall health, their ability to significantly enhance vision is merely a story that began in wartime, but has continued in people’s minds to this day.
