Did you know that carrots are rich with antioxidants and offer many health benefits? Carrots are root vegetables, typically orange in color that can be eaten raw as a snack or in salads, cooked for soups and sides, or added to sweet bakes. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber and are also a good source of antioxidants. The most commonly eaten part of the plant is the root, although the stem and leaves are also edible and used in some parts of the world as herb or salad leaves.
Carrots are mainly composed of water and carbohydrates and contain very little fat and protein. Since they are a low-calorie food, this vegetable may be a valuable component of an effective weight loss diet. Carrots are rich in beta carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. This nutrient promotes good vision and is important for growth, development, and immune function. Carrots are also packed with antioxidants. The antioxidant effects of dietary compounds found in carrots may reduce the risk of cancer. Pectin, the main form of soluble fiber in carrots can lower blood sugar levels by slowing down your digestion of sugar and starch. Biotin in carrots also plays an important role in fat and protein metabolism, vitamin K1 for blood coagulation and bone health, potassium for blood pressure control, and vitamin B6 in the conversion of food into energy.
Moreover, carrots are high in fiber. Consuming vegetables high in fiber may lower your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. Carrots can trigger allergic reactions in people who are allergic to pollen. Levels of heavy metals in carrots grown in contaminated soils may be higher, affecting their safety and quality. Carrots can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, or roasted. However, boiling can reduce or eliminate its vitamin content. To get the most nutritional value, you may eat carrots raw or steamed.
-PNFP Rowence F. Zorilla
References:
1. Carrots
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/benefits-carrots#:~:text=The%20fiber%20in%20carrots%20can,are%20important%20for%20bone%20health.
2. Carrots 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
Written by Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN (Ice) on May 3, 2019
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/carrots
3. What are the health benefits of carrots?
Medically reviewed by Imashi Fernando, MS, RDN — Written by Megan Ware, RDN, L.D. — Updated on February 28, 2022
