The carrot is a root vegetable, usually orange in color, though purple, black, red, white and yellow cultivars exist. They are a domesticated form of the wild carrot, Daucus carota, native to Europe and Southwestern Asia. The most commonly eaten part of the plant is the taproot, although the stems and leaves are eaten as well.
Let’s explore some health benefits of Carrot.
-Improve eye health (They are rich in Vitamin A which suggests that they are good for improving eye health and preventing conditions like night blindness).
-Regulate blood cholesterol (Regular consumption of carrots reduces cholesterol levels).
-Lower blood pressure (Coumarin found in carrots is linked to lowering hypertension and protecting the heart. A source of potassium which is a vasodilator and relaxes the tension in blood vessels and arteries, thereby increasing blood flow and circulation).
-Manage diabetes (Carrots are good for blood sugar regulation due to the presence of carotenoids which inversely affect insulin resistance and lower blood sugar. Also carrots regulate the amount of glucose and insulin being used and metabolize by the body).
-Reduce the risk of stroke (Eating a carrot everyday reduces the risk of stroke significantly. Lutein, a carotenoid present in carrots has been linked to improve brain health).
-Improve oral health (The organic compounds in carrots are good mineral antioxidants and they also stimulate the gums and induce excess saliva).
-Help in digestion (Carrots have dietary fiber in their roots which is one of the most important elements in maintaining good digestive health thus reducing the severity of constipation).
-Boost immunity (Carrots contain a number of antiseptic and antibacterial properties that make them ideal for boosting the immune system. Also they are a rich source of Vitamin C).
-Promote skin health (Carrots are rich in carotenoids. These compounds can improve skin condition and help people look relatively younger. However over eating carrots can result in a condition called carotenemia, wherein the skin appears yellow or orange).
-May aid in weight loss (A medium carrot has around 25 calories and fiber hence including carrots in your diet is a smart way of filling yourself without piling on calories).
Side effects:
-Carotenemia (Having large amounts of carotene in the blood can cause carotenemia, which is a yellowish discoloration of the skin).
-Sugar content (People especially diabetic, should avoid large consumption. Instead use steam carrots in small amounts).
-Changes flavor of breast milk (Carrots are rich in vitamins and minerals, which are very important for the body. However, it changes the flavor of breast milk. So breastfeeding women should avoid drinking carrot juice in excess).