Health Benefits Of Carrots: The 12 Best Amazing Benefits Of Carrots For Health
Health Benefits Of Carrots: Reasons why you should be rooting for this root veggie and make the most of its benefits. The benefits of carrots are known to many of us. These veggies are scientifically called Daucus carota, and offer important benefits when included in our regular diet. They are nutrient-dense and are packed with beneficial antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and beta-carotene. In addition, evidence states that carrots can enhance skin health, cut down the risk of cancer, and enhance vision.
What Is It?
It is an orange root vegetable that is high in nutrients.
What are Its Benefits?
Health Benefits Of Carrots, It may improve vision health, boost immunity, improve digestion, promote healthy skin, and aid hair growth. It also has anti-cancer properties and may lower cholesterol levels.
Who Can Use It?
It is safe for everyone, except those with carrot allergies. Individuals with diabetes are advised to include this.
How Often?
You may consume 1 to 2 carrots as part of your daily diet.
Caution
Health Benefits Of Carrots, Eating excessive amounts of carrots may cause skin discoloration, and individuals with carrot allergies should avoid consuming them.
A Brief on Carrots
People have been eating carrots for over 5,000 years. The vegetable originated in the Middle East and Afghanistan and was initially available only in purple and yellow colors. The familiar orange carrot was developed only later, in the 1600s.
Fun Fact
Health Benefits Of Carrots, The saying that ‘carrots can sharpen your eyes’ originated as propaganda by the British Air Ministry during World War 2 to stop raids by German bombers at night.
Researchers today are breeding carrots in different colors, including yellow, bright red, and dark orange to make them more appealing. But what is grabbing attention is the set of pigments in carrots that offer important benefits. So, what are carrots good for? Read through to know about some potential health benefits!
What Are The Health Benefits Of Eating Carrots?
1. May Promote Eye Health
Health Benefits Of Carrots, Vitamin A, in recommended quantities, is essential for good vision and sharp eyesight, and carrots offer the nutrient in abundance. If a person is deprived of vitamin A for too long, the outer segments of the eyes’ photoreceptors begin to deteriorate. This leads to night blindness.
Insufficient vitamin A can disrupt the normal chemical processes involved in vision. Restoring adequate vitamin A intake can facilitate vision health.
2. May Reduce Risk of Cancer
Health Benefits Of Carrots, A study investigated the risk of Colorectal Cancer amongst 160,725 individuals. In total, 1889 (3.38%) were diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer risk (CRC) during the first follow-up. The resulting incidence of CRC was 3.9% for those eating no raw carrots, 3.5% for those eating less than 32 g of carrots per day, and 2.9% for those eating more than 32 g of carrots per day. The results indicated a positive relationship between the consumption of carrots and reduced colorectal cancer risk.
Carrots contain numerous phytochemicals that are well-studied for their anticancer properties. A few of these compounds include beta-carotene and other carotenoids. These compounds promote immunity and activate certain proteins that inhibit cancer cells. Studies show that the juice from carrots can combat leukemia as well.
Health Benefits Of Carrots, The carotenoids present in carrots may reduce the risk of stomach, colon and prostate, lung, and breast cancers in women.
Some believe carrots may also reduce oral cancer risk. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
3. May Promote Skin Health
Health Benefits Of Carrots, Carrot benefits for the skin are uncountable. Carrots are rich in carotenoids. Research suggests that fruits and vegetables rich in these compounds can improve skin appearance and also help people look relatively younger.
However, over consuming carrots (or other foods high in carotenoids) can result in a condition called carotenemia, wherein your skin appears yellow or orange.
4. May Enhance Hair Growth
Health Benefits Of Carrots, Carrots are powerhouses of vitamins A and C, carotenoids, potassium, and other antioxidants. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the veggies may contribute to hair health. However, more research is needed in this regard.
5. May Aid Weight Loss
Health Benefits Of Carrots, Raw, fresh carrots are about 88% water. A medium carrot has only about 25 calories. Hence, including carrots in your diet is a smart way of filling yourself up without piling on calories and consuming immense nutrition as well.
Carrots also contain fiber. In a study, meals containing whole and blended carrots resulted in higher satiety levels in the test subjects.
6. May Regulate Blood Pressure
Health Benefits Of Carrots, One study claimed that carrot juice contributed to a 5% reduction in systolic blood pressure. The nutrients present in carrot juice, including fiber, potassium, nitrates, and vitamin C, were found to aid this effect.
7. May Aid Diabetes Treatment
Health Benefits Of Carrots, Following a healthy, balanced diet and maintaining healthy weight can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. In studies, low blood levels of vitamin A were found in individuals with diabetes. The abnormalities in glucose metabolism would need an increased need to fight oxidative stress, and this is where the antioxidant vitamin A may help.
Carrots are high in fiber. Studies show that increased fiber intake can improve glucose metabolism in individuals with diabetes. The veggies can be added to a diabetes meal, to maintain blood sugar levels.
8. May Boost Immunity
Health Benefits Of Carrots, Vitamin A regulates the functioning of your system and prevents infections. It achieves this by boosting your body’s immunity. Get this immune-boosting vitamin from carrots. Carrots also contain vitamin C which contributes to the production of collagen, which is essential for wound healing. This nutrient further contributes to a strong immune system.
Tip
Carrots were used as an aphrodisiac and an antidote to snake bites in Ancient Rome.
9. May Strengthen Bones
Health Benefits Of Carrots, Vitamin A influences bone cell metabolism. Carotenoids are associated with improved bone health. Though there is no direct research stating that carrots can help improve bone health, their vitamin A content may help. More studies are needed to further understand this mechanism.
10. May Lower Cholesterol Levels
Health Benefits Of Carrots, As per rat studies, carrot consumption can reduce cholesterol absorption and increase the antioxidant status of your body. These effects can also promote cardiovascular health. Raw carrots are also rich in a fiber called pectin that may help lower cholesterol.
Also Read:
2024 Diet: The 8 Best Foods Physical And Mental Health For Your 2024 Diet
Digestive Health: The 6 Best Ways To Improve Your Digestion Naturally
The 6 Best Benefits Of Pomegranate For Health
Protein Benefits For Body: The 8 Best And Necessary Reasons To Eat More Protein
