Health And Nutritional Benefits Of Carrots

–

Carrot is a crunchy root vegetable. Sweet to taste it comes in mainly orange and red colors. Other color varieties are white , purple and yellow. Carrots have long shelf life, so they can be stored in your refrigerator for many months. Low in calories, high in nutrition this carrot food gives immense health benefits. Wash carrots and peel the outer skin before using it for eating purposes. One can add carrots in salads, soups, make food recipes or eat them  raw. My favorite use of carrot is as carrot juice – sweet and refreshing to taste. Hope you are also enjoying the culinary benefits of carrots.

Image courtesy of Sura Nualpradid / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Health Benefits of Carrots

This food is a healthy addition in your diet. Antioxidants and other nutrients in carrots cure as well as prevent many diseases. Read below the benefits.

1) Reduces High Blood Pressure – High Blood pressure is cause of heart attack, strokes etc. Carrots  have a  good source of potassium. This potassium acts as vasoditaor which results in relaxation of arteries and veins. There is  blood vessel dilation leading to increased blood flow. Resulting in regulation and lowering of  high blood pressure.

2) Keeps heart  healthy  – Antioxidant rich carrot is a healthy heart food. The combination of many antioxidants in carrots reduces the risk of of cardiovascular diseases.  Then there are polyacetylene – a phytonutrient  in the carrot which keeps the heart diseases at bay. Benefits arise to the heart due to carrots ability to lower bad cholesterol LDL levels. Eating 2 carrots a day will  lower around 10-20 % cholesterol levels.

3) Strengthens your immunity- Beta carotene- a phytonutrient,  present in excellent amount in carrots. This antioxidant neutralizes  free radicals ,  boosts the production of T cells responsible for fighting infection.  Then there is Vitamin C in carrots which protects from oxidative stress. All this leads to immunity boost.

4) Reduces Cancer risks- Beta Carotene in carrots is responsible for reducing lot of cancer risks- lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer,stomach, prostate cancer etc. Another nutrient present is carrots is falcarinol a polyacetylene. It  is known for it’s anti-cancer properties. Cancer tumour growth is inhibited, you body mechanism to fight cancer is stimulated by falcarinol.

5) Beneficial for eye health- Beta carotene in carots is converted into vitamin A by our body. Vitamin A is good for eye health as it protects eyes from diseases and infections. Macular degeneration and cataract disease is prevented with vitamin A. Carrots provides the right nutrition to our eyes which ensures we don’t have vision loss. Eating carrots reduce glucoma disease risks.

6) For Digestive health- Antioxidants and dietary fiber in carrots make our digestive system healthy and strong. Fiber improves the bowel movement ensuring one does not have constipation problems. Excess stomach acid is removed by carrot, thus helping in heart burn and acid reflux.  Carrots facilitate  health digestion by providing  vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Various stomach disorders like gastritis, peptic ulcers, diarrhea etc are prevented . Childrens having

7) Anti-Inflammation Benefits- Those suffering from rheumatism, gouts, rheumatoid arthritis or any other inflammation problems will get pain relief  on eating carrots.

8) Good Skin Tonic- The benefits of carrot eating are immense. It is due to vitamin A, Vitamin C and beta carotene content of carrots. a)You get a glowing skin .b) Prevents skin dryness by keeping it hydrated.This is due to potassium in carrot. c)Anti-aging skin benefits- Vitamin C in carrots boosts collagen production. Collagen is responsible for skin elasticity and thus preventing wrinkles. All this leads to an everlasting youthful skin. d) Blemishes and scars on skins are  removed by drinking carrot juice.  e) Beta carotene in carrots protects skin from harmful sun UV radiation and  heals sun burn. f) Carrots prevent and cure skin problems like acne, rashes, eczema , psoriasis etc. These skin problems happen due to deficient Vitamin A. Carrots are rich in beta carotene which is converted to vitamin A by our body. Hence one is rid of these skin problems. 

9) Reduces stroke risks –  Strokes are caused by by blockage of arteries  and due to bursting of veins supplying blood to brain. Blockage is caused by oxidation of bad LDL cholesterol. Oxidation leads to  plaque building in arteries and hence reducing the blood supply to brain. Carrots have the ability to reduce bad cholesterol levels and neutralizing free radicals. Beta carotene in carrots – the antioxidant nutrient is responsible for this beneficial benefit.  Then there is potassium in carrots which reduces high blood pressure. As uncontrolled high blood pressure leads to bursting of veins in brain. Thus one can say carrot reduces stroke risks. Studies have shown eating one carrot a day reduces stroke risks by 68%.

10) Good for lungs- Carrots prevent infections to lungs. Falcarinol in carrots reduces lung cancer risks. Passive and active smokers should include carrots in diet as carrots nutrition have the ability to fight the bad chemical compounds of smoke. Carrots juice  acts as great relief to those who are have asthama, emphysema, bronchitis and various inflammation problems. Mucus formation in nose and throat is caused by to sinus & cough. This mucus is removed from our system by drinking carrot juice.

11) Detoxifies liver – Carrot nutrition aids in the removal of bad toxins from liver. Carrot  rich beta carotene content  is converted to vitamin A in our body. Vitamin A is responsible for toxin cleaning, reducing  excess fat and bile accumulation in liver.

12) Benefits to Women-  Carrot eating provides vital nutrition to pregnant ladies, it enhances the milk quality and quantity of lactating mothers. Carrots phytoestrogen content regulates menstruation, reduces pain. Phytoestrogen enhances breast growth. Carrots also help in easing and removal of menopause problems like hot flashes, sleep disorders and irritability. For best results drink carrot juice.

Amazing Nutrition Benefits

Carrot nutrition consists of lot minerals and vitamins.  It is a low calorie food with just 42kcal calories per 100 grams of carrots. So you can enjoy eating carrots without worrying about weight issues. Carrot provides Vitamin A in excellent amount. The orange color of carrots is due to it’s high beta carotene content. Other vitamins provided are Vitamin C , thiamine, riboflavin, niacin,Vitamin B, folate etc. Carrots are also rich source of minerals. It provides you calcium, potassium, sodium, manganese copper, iron etc. Dietary fiber and protein is also derived on eating carrots. Enjoy this 0 cholesterol food. But remember not to overeat carrots as carrot eating in huge amounts cause carotenosis- disease causing the skin to turn orange/ yellow. This problem disappears on reducing carrot consumption.

Nutrients in Raw Carrot

 Per 100 grams

% of Daily Value based on 2000 calorie diet

Energy

41 Kcal

2 %

Carbohydrates

9.6 g

3 %

– Dietary Fiber

2.8 g

11 %

–  Sugar

4.7 g

– Starch

1.4 g

Protein

0.9 g

2 %

Cholesterol

0 mg

Total Fats

0.2 g

0%

-Saturated Fats

0 g

0%

-Monounsaturated Fats

0 g

-Polyunsaturated Fats

0.1 g

Omega-3 fatty acids

2 mg

Omega-6 fatty acids

115 mg

Water

88.29 g

–

Minerals

Magnesium

12  mg

3%

Phosphorus

35 mg

4%

Sodium

69 mg

3%

Zinc

33 mg

3%

Calcium

0.24 mg

2%

Iron

0.30 mg

2%

Manganese

0.143 mg

7%

Potassium

320 mg

9%

Copper

0.045 mg

2%

Selenium

0.1 mcg

0%

Fluoride

3.2 mcg

–

Vitamins

Vitamin C

5.9 mg

10%

Riboflavin

0.058 mg

3%

Thiamin

0.066 mg

4%

Vitamin B6

0.138 mg

7%

Niacin

0.983 mg

5%

Pantothenic acid

0.273 mg

3%

Choline

8.8 mg

–

Betaine

0.4 mg

–

Vitamin K

13.2 mcg

16%

Vitamin A

16706 IU

334%

– RAE

835 mcg

–

– Alpha carotene

3477 mcg

–

– Beta carotene

8285 mcg

–

– Lycopene

1 mcg

–

– Lutein + zeaxanthin

256 mcg

–

Folate

19 mcg

5%

– Food Folate

19 mcg

–

– Dietary Folate Equivalents

19 mcg

–

Vitamin E-alpha tocopherol

0.66 mg

3%

Information Source : USDA Nutrient Database

–

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educative purpose only. Consult you doctor or professional medical advice before using any information in this article for any health program.