by
Stepy —
October 17, 2018
- Our parents have told us since we were kids about how good carrots and carrot juice are for our health. Indeed they are. Carrots have long been known for their great nutritional content and health benefits.
- Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of carrots.
- A good source of vitamin C:
- There isn’t much to say about vitamin C that hasn’t been said already. Vitamin C has been known for generations as a potent immune booster and antioxidant.
- According to MayoClinic, “Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin, which is needed by the body to form collagen in bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels, and which aids in the absorption of iron.”
- Vitamin C must be added to our diet every day, because the body doesn’t store it. Drinking carrot juice is a great way to do so.
- One cup of carrots provides 13% percent of the daily value for vitamin C.
- Antioxidant rich:
- Carrots are high in antioxidants like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and many more. Antioxidants help fight the effects of oxidative stress. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, “oxidative stress is the total burden placed on organisms by the constant production of free radicals in the normal course of metabolism plus whatever other pressures the environment brings to bear (natural and artificial radiation, toxins in air, food and water; and miscellaneous sources of oxidizing activity, such as tobacco smoke).” Oxidative stress is often linked to chronic diseases including heart disease and cancer.
- Contain a good amount of Vitamin K:
- One cup of carrots contains 21% of the daily value for vitamin K. “Vitamin K is known as the clotting vitamin, because without it blood would not clot. Some studies suggest that it helps maintain strong bones in the elderly,” states Medline Plus.
- Eye health:
- It is a very common belief that carrots are excellent for eye health, because of their high levels of bet-carotene. Surprisingly, there aren’t many studies on carrots and eye health. The study showed that a higher intake of certain fruits and vegetables may be associated with a decreased risk of glaucoma. More studies need to be conducted to confirm these benefits.
- Heart health:
- Because of their high levels of antioxidants, carrots are excellent for the heart. The protective abilities of antioxidants are essential to our heart, especially the arteries.
- The orange/yellow color category were shown to have the most protective benefits against heart disease.
- Rich in vitamin A:
- Carrots are one of the highest sources of vitamin A on our planet. Vitamin A is crucial to eye function and the growth of cells. According to Mayo Clinic, vitamin A may reduce death rate from measles, prevent certain types of cancers, and boost the immune system. One single cup of carrots contains 428% percent of the daily value for vitamin A. Pretty impressive.
- A great source of vitamin B6: It is essential for the production of serotonin, which helps stabilize the mood and sleep patterns. Vitamin B6 also helps with metabolism and strengthens the immune system.
- For the health benefits of carrot juice.
- For a miracle juice recipe with carrots.
- For a colon cleanse recipe with carrots.
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- REFERENCES:
- 1. “Both Alpha- and Beta-carotene, but Not Tocopherols and Vitamin C, Are Inversely Related to 15-year Cardiovascular Mortality in Dutch Elderly Men.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2008. Web. 25 Aug. 2013.
- 2. “Glaucoma Risk and the Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables among Older Women in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2008. Web. 25 Aug. 2013.
- 3. “Vitamin K: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia”. U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 25 August 2013.
- 4. ” Vitamin A (retinol).” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 01 Sept. 2012. Web.
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