The purple pigment in these specialty carrots comed from an antioxidant compound called anthocyanin. Antioxidants fight off free radicals in your body, which can permanently damage cells and cause chronic illness such as cancer, heart disease and high cholesterol. Adding anthocyanin to your diet can help lower your "bad" LDL cholesterol, while also protecting your nervous system, particularly your brain, which is susceptible to oxidative damage.