Sweet and crunchy, carrots have been an important part
of vegetarian diets. Carrots are basically root vegetables belonging to the
Apeaceae or Umbelliferrous family which also includes parsley, parsnip, dill, cumin
etc. A carrot plant has green lacy leaves and a long slender orange root that
is edible. Baby carrots are tender but they are less flavourful because of
their immaturity. These vegetables are believed to have originated about 5000
years ago. In fact, you will be surprised to know that formerly carrots were
red, black, yellow, white and mostly purple in colour but not orange. They were
first cultivated in Afghanistan
Besides their delicious flavour, carrots contain high
amounts of beta carotene and other health-benefitting compounds such as Vitamin
A, minerals and antioxidants. Carrots offer several health benefits and are
particularly beneficial for organs like the eyes, skin, digestive system and
teeth. No doubt it is a favourite of Bugs Bunny and accounts for his swiftness,
energy and intelligence.
Carrot is often used in juice therapy for the
treatment of certain diseases. In fact, carrots were initially grown as
medicine for treating a variety of ailments. This vegetable can be eaten both
in its raw and cooked forms. It serves as a fat substitute when used as a
thickener in soups, sauces, casseroles and quick breads. A steaming bowl of
carrot soup is a great way to boost your nutrition in winter.
► Eye Care :
Carrots are excellent for the eyes, thanks to the
presence of abundant amounts of beta carotene which is converted into Vitamin A
in the liver. This vitamin is converted in the retina to rhodopsin, a purple
pigment necessary for night vision. Beta carotene improves night vision and
protects against eye problems like glaucoma, macular degeneration and senile
cataracts. It is also helpful in night blindness. A study has proved that
consumption of beta carotene reduces the risk of macular degeneration by 40%.
► Beautiful
Skin (from the outside) :
Carrots are used as an inexpensive and very convenient
facial mask. Just mix grated carrot with
a bit of honey
► Cleanse
the Body :
Vitamin A assists the liver in flushing out the toxins
from the body. It reduces the bile and fat in the liver. The fibers present in
carrots help clean out the colon and hasten waste movement.
► Prevent
Stroke :
From all the above benefits it is no surprise that in
a Harvard University
► Healthy
Teeth and Gums :
It’s all in the crunch! Carrots clean your teeth and
mouth. They scrape off plaque and food particles just like toothbrushes or
toothpaste. Carrots stimulate gums
and trigger a lot of saliva, which being
alkaline, balances out the acid-forming, cavity-forming bacteria. The minerals in carrots prevent tooth damage.
► Improved Vision :
Western culture’s
understanding of carrots being “good for the eyes” is one of the few we
got right. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A
in the liver. Vitamin A is transformed in the retina, to rhodopsin, a purple
pigment necessary for night vision.
Beta-carotene has also been shown to protect against
macular degeneration and senile cataracts. A study found that people who eat
the most beta-carotene had 40 percent lower risk of macular degeneration than
those who consumed little.
► Cardiovascular
Benefits :
Carrots contain a variety of antioxidants and
polyacetylenes which together provide a protective shield to the heart. Studies
have shown that consumption of foods high in carotenoids lower the risk of
heart disease. Besides being extremely rich in beta carotene, carrots also
contain alpha-carotene and lutein. Regular consumption of carrots protects your
heart from oxidative damage, plaque formation and bad cholesterol elevation. This
is because they contain soluble fibers which bind with bile acids.
► Source
of Calcium :
Few of us are aware of the fact that carrots contain
calcium which is vital for the growth and development of bones in children and
women.
► Helpful
During Pregnancy :
Carrots are particularly helpful during pregnancy as
they aid in the proper development of the fetus and reduce the risk of fetal
infections and miscarriage. Regular consumption of carrots is known to help in
the production of breast milk and improve its quality.
► Anti-ageing
Benefits :
Carrots also contain Vitamin C which aids collagen
production in the body. Collagen is a type of protein that is vital for the
maintenance of skin elasticity. It helps prevent wrinkles and locks the process
of ageing. Vitamin A, being an antioxidant, also attacks the free radicals to
prevent signs of ageing like wrinkles, pigmentation and an uneven skin tone.
► Carrots
for Glowing Skin :
Consumption of carrots keeps your skin healthy and
vibrant as they are loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants. Carrots can also be
used to prepare an inexpensive and convenient face mask. All you need to do is
mix grated carrot with some honey and apply it as a face mask to get glowing
skin.
► Digestive
Health :
Carrots are a good source of fiber which helps in
regularizing bowel movements and aids digestion. It is also beneficial in
conditions like constipation and acid re-flux. Besides, this fiber aids in
weight loss and in avoiding sugar hikes in the blood.
