20 Health Benefits of Carrot
Here are 20 benefits of eating carrots for your overall heath.
1. Eye Health
This is a well-known and tried fact that carrots are just great for your eyes. Carrots have an abundant amount of beta carotene, which gets converted into vitamin A in the liver. The vitamin A then gets transformed to rhodospin in the retina. Rhodospin is a purple pigment, which is necessary for night vision. It’s also known to reduce the risk of macular degeneration and glaucoma.
2. Reduces Chances of Cancer
Research has shown that carrots can decrease the peril of lung, breast and colon cancer. The poly-acetylene antioxidants and falcarinol found in carrots are known to destroy the pre-cancerous cells in the tumor before they can develop. Falcarinol is a natural pesticide and prevents any fungal problems or diseases. Carrots are one of very rare natural sources of falcarinol.
3. Antiseptic Properties
Herbalists have been using carrots for treating infections and wounds for centuries. Carrot has excellent antiseptic properties that speed up the healing process and prevent infections. For this, you can simply grate the carrot finely and use the mixture on the affected area.
4. Cardiovascular Benefits
Carrots are rich in various antioxidants and polyacetylenes. These make a protective shield for the heart. It protects the heart against plaque formation, bad cholesterol and oxidative damage. Many researchers have found that carotene rich food is great for your heart. Carrots not only have beta carotene, but also alpha carotene and lutein. Therefore, include this root vegetable in your daily diet for a healthy heart.
5. Cleanses the Whole Body
Carrots are a great body cleanser. The abundance of vitamin A assists the liver in flushing out the toxins. It also prevents the accumulation of bile and fat in the liver. Carrots are also rich in fiber, which keeps the digestive system in good shape and facilitates the waste elimination.
6. Natural Source of Calcium
Calcium is vital for growth and development of bones in kids and women. Carrots are a rich natural source of calcium. Calcium also prevents the narrowing of blood vessels. Carrots are especially healthy for growing children and older adults as it strengthens the bones.
7. Digestion
Carrots are full of fiber, which prevents constipation and other digestive disorders. Fiber is also known to regularize the bowel movement for a better digestive system. Regular consumption of carrot prevents gastric problems and ulcers. Carrot juice is known to treat appendicitis, dyspepsia, intestinal colic, colitis and peptic ulcers.
8. Body Ache
Chinese have been using carrots to treat joint pains for centuries. Carrots nurture the ligaments, and that is why, it relieves pain easily. You can grate carrot and squeeze some lemon in it to enjoy a delicious raw carrot salad. You can also have it steamed or cooked if you don’t like the raw flavor.
9. Diabetes
There has been much confusion as to whether diabetic people should avoid carrots or not. Diabetic people are supposed to have a balanced diet that is low on sugar and salt, but includes lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Carrots have a low sugar level but a high GI index. But, refusing to eat carrots because of the GI index would not be a wise decision since one will be cutting on so many other nutrients. Diabetic people should definitely include carrots in their diet, but in moderation.
10. Pregnancy
Carrots are considered especially beneficial during pregnancy as they help in the growth and development of the baby. It also protects the fetus against infections and miscarriage. In fact, regular consumption of carrot improves the production of breast milk in women and also improves the quality of milk, which is good for the baby as well as the mother.
11. Menstruation and Menopause
Menstruation causes many problems, like menstrual pain, excessive bleeding, etc.. Carrots are extremely beneficial for women since it has phytoestrogen, which regularizes the menstrual cycle, relieves pain and controls excessive bleeding. Carrots also help women get through menopause by preventing hot flushes and controlling other menopausal symptoms.
12. Slows down Ageing
Carrots contain vitamin C, which boosts the collagen production. Collagen maintains the elasticity of your skin and prevents sagging and wrinkles. Vitamin A is also a strong antioxidant, which fights the free radicals to prevent the signs of ageing. The beta carotene checks the cell damage caused due to regular metabolism of the body.
13. Oral Health
Carrots are recommended for healthy teeth and gums. The minerals found in carrot avert tooth damage. The crunchy fiber texture of carrots removes plaque from teeth just like toothbrushes. Also, it’s a chewy vegetable, so your gums get a good exercise, which makes them strong in the longer run.
14. Prevents Stroke
A new research at Harvard University proved that carrots have a significant effect on strokes, as well. According to the research, people who ate more than 6 carrots in a week were less likely to suffer a stroke than those, who did not eat carrots at all or in very less quantity.
15. Glowing Skin
Carrots are extremely beneficial for your skin because of its vitamin C and antioxidant content. Vitamin C accelerates the collagen protection resulting in a healthier and wrinkle-free skin. You can also get a natural glow with a carrot mask. Grate the carrot and mix it with some honey to make your homemade glowing skin pack.
16. Sun Protection
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is a very skin-friendly chemical. It gets converted into vitamin A inside the body. It helps in healing tissues and protecting the skin tissues against the sun’s harmful UV rays. The antioxidants and carotene improve the immunity of skin against sun rays and conditions the skin. You should drink one glass of carrot juice every day to get healthy and conditioned skin.
17. Dry Skin
Potassium deficiency makes the skin dry, and carrots can greatly help you out as they are rich in potassium. Therefore, drinking carrot juice would keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness.
18. Healing
Carrot’s healing properties have been known for centuries. This is partly because of vitamin A, which reconstructs tissues, and also because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Grated raw carrot is used externally on wounds and cut to stimulate the healing process. It’s also an antiseptic and prevents infection.
19. Prevents Hair Loss
Carrots provide the vital vitamins and minerals that you hair need and reduce hair fall notably. It also makes the hair shinier and stronger, which reduces breakage. Therefore, include carrot juice in your diet to get thicker and healthier hair.
20. Stimulates Hair Growth
Carrots not only prevent hair fall, but they also induce the growth of hair. Vitamin E and C improves the blood circulation in the scalp, which stimulates the hair growth process. Its nutrients also prevent premature graying of strands.
