Benefits of carrot for health

Carrot is a root that is an excellent source of carotenoids, potassium, fibers, and antioxidants. Carrot provides various health benefits. In addition to taking care of visual health, they also help prevent early aging, improve the immune system and could prevent some types of cancers. [1]

This vegetable can be eaten raw, cooked or in juice. Carrots can be found in different colors: yellow, orange, red, purple and white. The main difference between them lies in their composition. The most common being orange is rich mainly in alpha and beta carotenes, sources of provitamin A. In the case of yellow they have a higher concentration of lutein. The red ones are rich in a powerful antioxidant called lycopene and; Finally, the dwellings, which are rich in anthocyanins.

Carrot is counted in superfoods. We compiled a list of foods that are super healthy. If you were still unknown to them then just read about them by clicking the link given below.

Read: 50 Foods that are super healthy

1. Health benefits of carrot to improve digestion

The carrot is rich in soluble and insoluble fibers such as pectin, cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose. This helps fight constipation because they increase the volume of feces. In addition to this, they decrease intestinal transit and help stimulate multiplication and the activity of good bacteria for the intestine. [2]

2. Prevent early aging and cancer

Being rich in antioxidants such as vitamin A and polyphenols. Carrot prevents cell damage caused by free radicals, preventing not only early aging but also reducing the risk of cancer, such as lung, breast, and stomach. It also has a substance called falcarinol, which could reduce the risk of colon cancer.

3. Maintain the tan and take care of the skin

Eating carrots during the summer could help to keep the tan for longer, because beta-carotenes and lutein stimulate skin pigmentation, favoring its natural tan. In addition to this, beta-carotene could exert a protective effect against UV rays. However, its effectiveness will depend on the amount of ingested before sun exposure. The intake of 100 g of carrot juice provides 9.2 mg of beta-carotene and cooked carrot provides 5.4 mg. Carrot benefits your skin health in a very good way. You can include it in your daily routine diet to take advantage of it.

Read Also: Carrot Juice For Wrinkles

4. Help lose weight

Including carrots daily in meals helps increase satiety, because 1 medium raw carrot provides about 3.2 grams of fiber. Carrot provides few calories, being able to be included in both raw and cooked salads. However, by itself, it does not meet this effect. So it must be included in a diet low in calories, fats, and sugars.

Raw carrots have a low glycemic index (GI), so it keeps glycemia controlled and this, in turn, favors weight loss. As well as being an excellent option for diabetic people. In the case of cooked or mashed carrots, the GI is medium, being a little higher.

Read Also: Best Vegetables To Eat For Weight Loss

5. Carrot health benefits to protect the vision

The carrot is rich in beta-carotene, precursor substances of vitamin A. In the case of yellow carrots that contain lutein could exert a protective action against macular degeneration and cataracts.

6. Strengthen the immune system

Vitamin A present in carrots could improve the body’s anti-inflammatory response, due to its antioxidant effect. In addition to this, it stimulates defense cells, helping to strengthen the immune system. The consumption of carrots could also improve the defense mechanism of the oral mucosa. Increase the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and help maintain the morphology of the cells. Being important to remember that the gastrointestinal tract is a key part of the immune system.

7. Protect against cardiovascular diseases

The beta-carotene present in carrots protect the body by preventing the onset of cardiovascular diseases. Carrot inhibits the oxidation process of “bad” LDL cholesterol and modifies its absorption at the intestinal level thanks to its fiber content.

Read Also: Best Foods that Prevent Cancer: Anti Cancer Foods

Carrot Recipes

The carrot can be consumed raw in salads or juices, or cooked, and can be added in cakes, soups and in stews to prepare meat or fish. To get these health benefits of carrot, it is important to consume at least 1 carrot daily.

It is important to mention that the absorption of beta-carotene is more effective when the carrot is cooked. So it is possible to alternate it between raw and cooked.

1. Carrot Puddings

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 cup coconut or canola oil
• 1/2 cup of sweetener or 1 cup of sugar
• 1 handful of crushed nuts
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla

Preparation Mode

Preheat the oven to 180ºC. In a bowl, you should mix the eggs, the oil, the sweetener or mascabada sugar and the vanilla. Add the almond and oatmeal flour, mixing in an enveloping way. Add and mix the grated carrot, baking powder, cinnamon, and crushed nuts.

Place the mixture in a silicone cake pan or a few cups and bake for 30 minutes.

2. Roasted carrot pate with feta cheese

• 500 g of peeled carrot and cut into thick wheels
• 100 mL of extra virgin Spanish olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 115 g of feta cheese or fresh goat cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bouquet of chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation Mode

Preheat the oven to 200 º C. Place the carrots on a tray with olive oil, cover with a piece of aluminum and bake for 25 minutes. After this time, sprinkle the cumin on the carrots and leave in the oven for 15 more minutes or until soft.

Next, you should crush the carrot with a fork and mix them with olive oil. Or you can blend them so that they become pureed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the feta cheese cut into pieces and chopped cilantro.

3. Vegetable juice with carrots

Ingredients

• 5 medium carrots
• 1 small apple
• 1/2 medium beet

Preparation Mode

Wash carrots, apples and beets well, chop them into small pieces and blend.