10 Health Benefits of Carrots
The carrot is a root vegetable often claimed to be the perfect health food. In this article, learn more about the nutrients in carrots and their health benefits.
1. 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 had40 a percent lower risk of macular degeneration than those who consumed little.
2. Helps prevent cancer
Carrots reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer.
3. Diabetes control
Carrots have a sweet flavor and contain natural sugars.
4. Promotes healthier skin (from inside)
Vitamin A and antioxidants protect the skin from sun damage deficiencies of which cause dryness to the skin, hair, and nails. Vitamin A prevents premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tone.
5. Anti-aging
The high levels of beta-carotene act as an antioxidant to cell damage done to the body through regular metabolism. It helps to slow down the aging of cells.
6. Vitamins and minerals
Carrots are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, especially biotin, potassium, and vitamins A (from beta carotene), K1 (phylloquinone), and B6.
Read Also: Lagos council shuts health centre after staff contract COVID-19
7. Helps prevent infection
Carrots are known by herbalists to prevent infection. They can be used on cuts – shredded raw or boiled and mashed.
8. 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 salivae, which is alkaline, balances out the acid-forming, the cavity-forming bacteria. The minerals in carrots prevent tooth damage.
9. Prevent Stroke
From all the above benefits it is no surprise that a Harvard University study, people who ate more than six carrots a week are less likely to suffer a stroke than those who ate only one carrot a month or more.
10. Blood pressure and cardiovascular health
The fiber and potassium in carrots may help manage blood pressure.
Kindly follow us on Facebook: Thedailynewsngr
