Nutrition

Carrots: Amazing Health Benefits

Written by : Healthpind Staff
Reviewed by: Mónica Sayuri Ramos Imuro

Carrot is one of the world’s most widely available and consumed vegetables, and it is rightly called a superfood because of its nutritional value. Due to its delicious taste and crunchy texture, it is liked by one and all. Significantly versatile, it is eaten as part of many dishes and cuisines. The phytochemicals in carrots are said to aid in reducing cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart conditions, improving and protecting vision, and reducing signs of aging.

As a raw salad, carrot juice, or part of cooked dishes, carrots can boost your immune system, detox your body from toxins, and improve your skin health. Beta-carotene antioxidants present in them can reduce the risk of cancer as well. They also give you a well-needed influx of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

Here are some of the evidence-based health benefits of carrots.

Carrots promote healthy vision and reduce Macular Degeneration

Try to eat apples as whole fruit rather than juice. This can help lower cholesterol levels.

Carrot is a rich source of Vitamin A and antioxidants. A deficiency of vitamin A may cause Xerophthalmia. It is the abnormal dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye. If prolonged, it may cause night blindness. Carrots can help you to prevent vitamin A-related night blindness.

Besides, carrots also contain antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin. Both of them can aid in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is another cause of vision loss. It is more common in elderly persons. A beta-carotene-rich diet lowers the risk of macular degeneration by forty percent ^[1]

Provides a Glowing Skin

The skin is the natural protective layer that keeps foreign bacteria and germs away. In the process, it has to bear the brunt of pollution, sun, and ultraviolet rays. The various free radicals also react with collagen, resulting in different age-related skin changes. Vitamin A in the carrot can protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and the antioxidants can help to neutralize various free radicals harming your skin. Carrots can boost your skin’s health and add glow to it.

The carrot juice and pulp mixture can be directly applied to the skin to relieve various skin conditions, such as acne.

Heart diseases are one of the principal causes of death globally, an emerging epidemic. The various phytochemicals in the carrot can support a healthy heart and significantly decrease the risk of developing heart conditions. A ten-year research study on 20,000 people found that eating half a cup of carrots substantially reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Carrots contain antioxidants, which can protect your body cells from cancer and protect cells from oxidative damage-related damage. Also, according to researchers, carrots produce a falcarinol chemical, which may have anticancer properties.

Scientific evidence has found that men who take a beta-carotene-rich diet regularly have a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer. Vitamin A and retinoic acid may lower cancer cells’ ability to invade the other healthy surrounding tissues. Research also points out that a high intake of carrots can protect one from colon and lung cancer.

Carrots contain a dietary fiber called pectin. Fiber imparts a lot of health benefits to the carrot. A medium-sized carrot can provide about .06 ounces of fiber. Fiber can reduce the amount of low-density lipoprotein( bad fat). Lowered LDL in the body supports a healthy heart. It can also impair the absorption of cholesterol into your blood. [2]

Pectin, a soluble fiber, slows down your digestion of sugar and prevents blood glucose spikes in people with diabetes. The fiber also sucks water from your gut and swells up, keeping your intestine feeling full and satisfied. Carrots also contain insoluble fibers like cellulose that help maintain healthy bowel movements and relieve constipation. [3]. The soluble fiber serves the friendly bacteria in your gut and keeps it healthy.

However, these health benefits can be obtained only by eating a carrot with pulp. Juicing carrots removes the fibers.

It aids digestion and improves bowel movement.

Carrots consist of beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, converted to vitamin A inside your body. Vitamin A plays a significant part in boosting immune function and activating cancer-protecting enzymes. Carrots also contain sufficient luteolin, a flavonoid phytochemical with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. ^[4]

Vitamin A can help you to prevent many infections. Carrots also have vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system. ^[5]

Carrots can lower the level of cholesterol.

A high cholesterol level in your body is a significant factor causing many heart conditions. Low-density lipoproteins are bad fats and harmful to you. High-density lipoproteins are good fats and beneficial for us. Regular intake of carrots reduces bad cholesterol. ^6] Carrot intake reduces cholesterol absorption and keeps you healthy. Consuming a healthy dose of carrots a few times per week is an excellent idea. Research Says that regular consumption of carrots for at least three weeks can reduce your cholesterol levels by 11 percent. ^[7]

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raw carrot good for you??
Absolutely! Raw carrot is a fantastic addition to your diet. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, it promote overall health. Carrot is rich in beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. The fiber aids digestion and helps maintain an optimum weight by promoting a feeling of fullness.
Additionally, their antioxidants combat free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The crunchy texture promotes dental health by stimulating saliva secretion and reducing the risk of cavities. Enjoying raw carrots as a snack or adding them to salads provides a nutritious and delicious way to support your well-being. Remember, moderation is vital, as excessive consumption may lead to an orange tint due to the carotenoids, but this is harmless.

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