What Are The Benefits Of Carrots?
Carrots are healthy and delicious vegetables, both raw and cooked. There are many benefits to be gained from including carrots in your diet, due to their nutrients. Surely you have asked yourself: What benefits do carrots provide?
We are going to tell you why you have to include these foods in your daily diet. However, don’t forget that one of the keys to a good diet is variety.
Nutritional value
Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, which gives them their characteristic orange color. They also provide vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, C, E, choline and K, and minerals such as potassium, manganese, iron, calcium and phosphorus.
These vegetables are made up mostly of carbohydrates. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, which does not contain saturated fat or cholesterol. Carrots are low in calories, just 40 calories per 100 grams, making them a good healthy food option in a balanced diet.
Benefits of carrots
They provide antioxidants to the body
Carrots have high levels of antioxidants, such as vitamin A, which helps promote good general health and reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer, such as colon, oral cavity and lung. They also contain a phytonutrient called falcarinol, a powerful antioxidant.
Also, according to research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute , women with high circulating levels of carotenoids may have a decreased risk of breast cancer.
On the other hand, they exert a positive effect on vision, in addition, they are especially beneficial to increase the capacity of night vision. The content of beta-carotene and vitamin A helps the correct functioning of the cells of the retina, being responsible for its beneficial effects.
This is pointed out by a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology , which highlights that carotenoids can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Warning
Although carrots have many positive benefits, eating excessive carrots can lead to a condition called ‘carotenoderma’, appearing on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or other areas of the skin, orange or yellowish, due to the high levels of carotene that exist in the blood. It is convenient to reduce the intake of these vitamins so that this problem disappears.
When excessive amounts of vitamin A are consumed for a prolonged period of time, symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting and headache among others can occur, and hypervitaminosis A can occur . A serious condition that occurs due to the accumulation of toxic levels in the liver and requires medical treatment.
They control blood circulation and help lower blood pressure
Again, carrots are beneficial in regulating the body’s circulation, ensuring that the heart and lungs have nutrients available to work effectively.
They also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and help lower blood pressure, thanks to the nutrient ‘potash succinate’ , which has anti-hypertensive properties and helps to dilate blood vessels.
They improve the functioning of the intestine
We should not forget either that carrots are foods that stand out for their high fiber content. There is evidence that said substance is essential in order to prevent the development of colon cancer. It also has the ability to increase the feeling of satiety and improve transit, reducing constipation.
It is advised that at least 25 grams of fiber be consumed per day, although many people do not reach the recommendations. Therefore, it is crucial that more vegetables appear in the diet, such as carrots.
Carrots, healthy vegetables
Carrots stand out for their nutrient content and for their beneficial effects on the body. They have the ability to improve the functioning of various systems, as well as to prevent the appearance of chronic diseases. For this reason they must appear frequently in the diet.
The good news is that they are very versatile. They can be eaten raw, cooked, steamed, in creams… You just have to find the way of preparation that best suits everyone. This will ensure that the vision works correctly and that it does not lose capabilities over the years.
However, never forget that it is also necessary to include other green leafy vegetables in the diet. These have essential antioxidants and micronutrients capable of ensuring the functioning of the systems. Make sure you eat them daily to ensure good body composition.
