From childhood times, we have been told that carrots are good for your eyes. Well! That’s completely true, but let me provide you more information on Carrots. Carrots are an important nutrient with other health benefits apart from eyes. Let us have a look at some of the key benefits of carrots and healthful ways in which you can enjoy it.
1. Promote Health Vision
Even if drink one cup carrot soup or a large carrot on daily basis, you can achieve high amount of Vitamin A. It is one of the important nutrients of our diet plan that can help fight several health conditions and diseases, including measles, cancer, etc. Further, it can protect your body against age-related macular degeneration. Vitamin A deficiency is not a sign for the body as it can lead to several health issues. Out of which xerophthalmia is a popular one that can damage your normal vision and cause night blindness.
However, if you eat carrot, you may improve the Vitamin A deficiency level and protect your vision. Carrots comprise antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin as well as alpha and beta-carotene that help in eye health enhancement. They various compounds present in the ingredient add protection to retina and the lens.
Read More – Natural Ways to Improve Eyesight
2. Help Balance the Blood Sugar Level
In comparison to different vegetables in the market, carrots is considered to be higher in sugar compound. The anti-diabetic properties present in the ingredient are known to help in management of diabetes. A survey was run long time back, in which people with lower levels of carotenoids had high blood sugar level. In fact, the fasting levels of insulin was also high. This survey proved if your body has high carotenoids, diabetic patients can better maintain their health.
Consuming carrots can help in blood sugar and insulin level regulation. It has soluble fibers in it that can help control post-meal insulin levels. Carrots are low on the glycemic index when consumed raw or barely cooked, which makes them a good source of sustained energy.
Read More – Foods that Lower Blood Sugar
3. Good for Weight Management
You must have heard this several times – our human body contains up to 60% of water. Do you know carrots have 88% of water? Yes, you heart it right. Apart from providing fiber, it also provides water that together helps boost fullness.
According to a study published in Nutrients in 2021, carrots have also been linked to reduced body mass index and lower incidences of obesity when compared to other vegetables.
Additionally, they are low in calories. If you chop one cup carrots, you may consume around 52 calories.
Instead of 10 pita chips, use a cup of raw, sliced carrots to scoop up your hummus or guacamole, which will save you 80 calories and add more fiber and nutrients to your diet.
Read More – Herbs for Weight Loss
4. May Lower Cancer Risk
The antioxidants present in the Carrots are known to lower the risk of developing cancer. Be it lung cancer, leukemia, prostate, or colorectal, carrot consumption can reduce and heal the body to work at its best. Beta-carotene is the actual carotenoid antioxidant present that are known to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Also, carrots contain lycopene (another carotenoid) known to fight cancer like breast cancer, stomach cancer, lung cancer, and other health conditions. You can even improve your vascular health and prevent cardiovascular disorders by adding carrot to your diet plan.
5. Regulates Blood Pressure
Like various other nutrients and antioxidants, carrots also contain potassium that is known to play an important role in regulating the blood pressure. It allows the body to balance out the sodium level and sweep any excessive left. Thus, clearing the heart area and letting it pump smoothly. In simple words, carrots are a great option if you want to de-bloat all the salty food from the body. It offers great health benefits to your cardiovascular health.
Read More – Home Remedies for Low Blood Pressure
6. Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
Another major benefit of carrot consumption is having high potential to improve cardiovascular health. The phenolic compounds present in the food item helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Even the antioxidant properties are known to maintain both cholesterol and blood sugar levels in the body.
Read More – Foods that can Save your Heart
7. Immunity Support
An article got published in 2019 stating that the vitamins A and C found in the carrot can help boost your immune system. If you want to keep your immunity level in check, consume carrots for they are a great choice.
Vitamin A helps to create and protect mucous membranes, which helps to boost the immune system. The body’s mucous membranes serve as barriers to keep viruses outside. They comprise the lining of the urogenital, digestive, and respiratory systems.
Read More – Immunity Booster Herbs
8. Brain Health Boosting
Natural compounds in carrots perform as anti-inflammatories in the body. Lutein is one of them that plays a key role in brain functioning. It is the same antioxidant that guards the retina against macular degeneration. In healthy older persons, lutein may have positive impacts on brain function.
How to Increase Your Carrot Intake?
You’re undoubtedly eager to enjoy the many positive antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and disease-prevention advantages that these root veggies have on your health. Also, they give your plate a dash of color.
Well! Stop. Have you noticed carrots in different colors. What do you think must be the point behind it.
Actually, carrots come in a variety of colors, each of which has a unique quality.
- Polyacetylenes, which are similarly anti-inflammatory, are present in the purple type.
- The yellow variant contains the greatest lutein.
- Alpha- and beta-carotene are abundant in orange carrots
- Phenolic chemicals are prevalent in black carrots.
- Additionally, red carrots contain a lot of lycopene.
But should they be consumed raw or cooked? Throughout the week, change things up. Eating carrots both fresh and cooked has advantages. Raw carrots have more vitamin C and have a lower glycemic index. Carrots’ dense cellular walls are broken down during cooking, making the antioxidants more easily assimilated.11 Likewise, switch up the color of the carrots.
Conclusion
Carrots provide a plethora of health advantages, including the potential to support healthy vision, balance blood sugar, aid in weight management, reduce cancer risk, control blood pressure, lessen the risk of heart disease, increase immunity, and support brain function. Increase your consumption of this veggie; you won’t be sorry.
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