The health benefits of carrots include lowering cholesterol, lower risk of heart attacks, prevention of certain cancers, better vision and reduction of the signs of premature aging. In addition, carrots have the ability to improve the skin, stimulate the immune system, improve digestion, Protect the cardiovascular health, detoxify the body and improve oral health in various ways. They also provide a well-balanced influx of vitamins and minerals.
What Are Carrots?
Carrots are one of the most used and appreciated vegetables in the world, partly because they grow quite easily and are very versatile in a number of dishes and cultural cuisines. They have scientifically classified as Daucus [1] carrot [1] and classified as root vegetables. Carrots are different colors like orange, purple, white, yellow and red. Carrot taproot is the most consuming part of the vegetable, although green vegetables are always useful in salads and other forms.
The type of carrot most commonly consumed in the world is the domestic variety of the aforementioned wild species and is native to Europe and Southwest Asia. Most of the carrots are grown in China but are exported all over the world for inclusion in salads and soups, as well as a stand-alone vegetable for snacks, side dishes and essential ingredients in many recipes.
Carrots in the wild have a central woody element that is not very tasty, so the cultivation finally chose this feature and left us the shape of the carrot that we know today. Both adults and children love them because of their crunchy texture and their sweet taste, so this is one of the precious vegetables for parents, since children seem to like to eat them, which is a rare exception!
The health benefits of carrots and their delicious taste make them an important vegetable in the kitchens of the world, so first we understand what carrots are to make them so useful!
Carrots Nutrition Facts
Most of the benefits of carrots can be attributed to their beta-carotene and fiber content. This root vegetable is also a good source [2] of antioxidants. In addition, they are rich in vitamins A, C, K and B8, as well as pantothenic acid, folic acid, potassium, iron, copper and manganese.
In a study demonstrating the therapeutic value of carrots, researchers at the Wolfson Gastrointestinal Laboratory in Edinburgh, Scotland, showed that cholesterol levels dropped by an average of 11% when seven ounces of raw carrots were consumed daily for three weeks.
Hypercholesterolemia is a major factor in heart disease. Since regular consumption of carrots reduces cholesterol levels, it is recommended to consume a good dose of carrots to prevent heart problems. A group of Swedish scientists has discovered that these root vegetables can reduce the risk of heart attack. A study conducted at the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research in Italy found that those who ate more carrots had a 1/3 risk [3] of heart attack compared to those who ate fewer carrots.
Low blood pressure They are rich in potassium, which is a vasodilator and can relax tension in the blood vessels and arteries, thereby increasing blood flow and circulation, stimulating organ function throughout the body and reducing stress on the cardiovascular system. High blood pressure is directly linked to atherosclerosis, stroke and heart attacks, so this is another healthy aspect of carrots! The coumarin found at home has also been linked to the reduction [4] of hypertension and the protection of heart health!
Carrot helps to Reduce Macular Degeneration
This is a common eye disease in the elderly, which worsens the function of the macula. Studies have shown that people who consumed most of the beta-carotene had a 40% risk of macular degeneration [7] than those who consumed the least. Beta-carotene can also dissociate with an enzymatic reaction to form provitamin A, often associated with the antioxidant capacity for vision. Thus, carrots are a global vision enhancer.
The organic compounds in carrots are good [9] mineral antioxidants and they also stimulate the gums and induce excess saliva. Saliva is an alkaline substance and combats the bacteria and foreign bodies that can often result in cavities, halitosis, and other oral health risks.
Carrots are good for blood sugar regulation [4] due to the presence of carotenoids in them. Conversely, carotenoids affect insulin resistance and thus blood sugar levels, helping diabetics to live a normal and healthy life. They also regulate the amount of insulin and glucose that is used and metabolized by the body, causing a healthy variation in diabetics.