24 Major Benefits Of Carrots
Carrot is a famous root vegetable that is consumed in many ways like as a salad, as an ingredient for a sweet dessert, and as a vegetable. It is available in various colors like purple carrot, white carrot, yellow carrot, orange carrot, and red carrot, but out of all these varieties, red carrot and orange carrot are widely popular. Being an excellent source of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and polyphenols, etc, carrot provides numerous health and beauty benefits.
Health Benefits of Carrots
Some of the major health benefits of carrots are as follows
(1) Manages Cholesterol Levels
The soluble fiber pectin in the carrot reduces the level of bad LDL cholesterol in our body and thus helps in managing cholesterol levels.
It prevents the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in arterial walls and minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis which is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems.
Atherosclerosis is a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries by the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in arterial walls and gives rise to cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.
(2) Reduces The Risk Of Cancer
Antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin C, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and bioflavonoids, etc protect our cells and tissues from the free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of several cancers like lung cancer, stomach cancer, intestinal cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
As per British researchers, increased consumption of beta-carotene from 1.7 milligrams to 2.7 milligrams could decrease the risk of lung cancer by as much as 40 percent.
(3) Good For Eyes
Carrots are good for the eyes, the visionary organ that allow us to enjoy the beauty of the world.
Antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin C, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, etc protect the eyes from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma, etc.
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for the eyes as it improves vision, prevents dryness of eyes, and minimizes the risk of night-blindness.
(4) Reduces The Risk Of Cognition Disease
Carrots are good for the brain and improve our neurological health.
Vitamin A, vitamin C, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene, etc in carrots protect the brain cells or the neurons from free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amnesia, and dementia, etc.
As per a Netherlands study, eating carrots could reduce the risk of cognitive declines by as much as 3 times.
In another study, it was revealed that men who consumed 50 mg of beta-carotene every alternate day showed a significant improvement and delayed cognitive delay on an average of 1 to 1.5 years in comparison to those who underwent placebo.
(5) Regulates Blood Sugar Level
Carrots are beneficial for people with diabetes and who are at the risk of developing diabetes.
With a low glycemic index of 16, carrots slowly release sugar into the bloodstream and thus regulates blood sugar levels.
Soluble dietary fibers like pectin in carrots slow down the rate at which sugar is absorbed by the bloodstream and helps in managing diabetes.
Beta-carotene in carrots can decrease the insulin level by 32 percent in comparison to individuals who didn’t consume beta-carotene.
Even with the anti-diabetic benefit of carrots, consume them in moderation as excessive consumption may lower the blood sugar to an abnormally low level and may increase the risk of hypoglycemia with symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, sweating, hunger, fast heartbeat, and irritability, etc.
If you are already on diabetic medication then consult your doctor before making carrots part of your diet to avoid the risk of food-drug intolerance.
(6) Make Our Bones Stronger
Carrots strengthen our bones and teeth due to the presence of bone-strengthening minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Calcium is an essential mineral for our bone health as it is needed for the growth and development of the bones, and deficiency of this mineral may increase the risk of osteoporosis, a condition in which our bones become weak and fragile, and are prone to damage.
Vitamin C present in the carrot increases the efficiency of calcium absorption.
Potassium in carrots neutralizes acid, prevents loss of calcium from the bones, and improves bone density.
Magnesium also improves bone density and minimizes the risk of osteoporosis.
(7) Regulates High Blood Pressure
Potassium, a natural vasodilator present in the carrots relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from hypertension or high blood pressure.
Hypertension is a silent killer that affects millions of people around the world and is a leading cause of several cardiovascular and other health problems like heart attack, heart stroke, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, severe headaches, difficulty breathing, and blood in urine, etc.
Consume carrots in moderation as excessive consumption may drop the blood pressure below the normal range and may increase the risk of hypotension. It is characterized by symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, fainting, dehydration, blurred vision, and pale skin.
If you are already taking medication to regulate blood pressure then don’t forget to have a word with your doctor before adding carrots to your diet to minimizes the risk of food-drug intolerance.
(8) Improves Cardiovascular Health
Carrots are good for the heart and improve our cardiovascular health due to the presence of essential nutrients in them.
Vitamin A, vitamin C, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.
Dietary fibers in carrots minimize LDL cholesterol and thus reduces the risk of atherosclerosis which is a leading cause of several cardiovascular issues.
The vasodilating properties of potassium in carrots relaxes blood vessels and provides relief from high blood pressure which could otherwise increase the risk of several cardiovascular and other health problems.
As per a study conducted by the researchers of Wilson Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Edinburgh, Scotland, eating seven ounces of carrots per day for 3 weeks can reduce LDL cholesterol by around 11 percent.
In another study conducted by Mario Negri Institute of Pharmacological Research, Italy individuals who ate more carrots were three times less likely to get a heart attack in comparison to those who eat no carrots or fewer carrots.
A high level of beta-carotene in carrots could reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 68 percent.
(9) Boost Immune System
Consuming carrots strengthens the immune system, the defense mechanism of the body that aids in the prevention and treatment of various microbial infections and diseases, as well as wounds and injuries.
Antioxidants and relevant compounds like Vitamin A, vitamin C, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene in carrots protects the white blood cells or the immune cells from free radical damage, and thus strengthens the immune system.
With stronger immunity, our risk of getting a cough, cold, fever, and flu diminishes significantly.
Carrots also contain vitamin C that increases white blood cells in the body, and further benefits the immune system.
(10) Good For Digestion And Prevents Constipation
Carrots are good for our digestive health.
The laxative properties of the dietary fibers in carrot improves bowel movement, aids in proper elimination of stool and thus provides relief from constipation and other gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating and flatulence, etc.
Vitamin A, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and other antioxidantal compounds in a carrot protect the digestive system from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of colon cancer, abdominal cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, and intestinal cancer, etc.
(11) Good For Oral Health
Carrots help in maintaining oral health as they stimulate the gums and induces excess saliva, an alkaline substance produced in our mouth by the salivary glands.
Saliva helps in softening and proper chewing of food, and as well as combating bacteria and foreign bodies that can give rise to oral problems like cavities and halitosis, etc.
The antimicrobial properties of carrots protect the gums and teeth from microbial damage.
(12) Good For Liver
Carrots are beneficial for maintaining the health of the liver, a vital organ responsible for the removal of toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from the body. It also performs several other functions like production and excretion of bile juice, excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, and hormones, metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, enzyme activation, storage of glycogen, vitamins, and minerals, and synthesis of plasma proteins.
Vitamin C, vitamin A and other relevant antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene in a carrot protects the liver from free radical damage and improves the efficiency of the liver.
The detoxifying properties of dietary fibers in carrots eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from the body, and thus reduces the burden of detoxification from vital organs like the liver and kidneys, and allows them to focus on other functions they need to perform.
(13) Provides Anti-inflammatory Benefits
Vitamin C and another anti-inflammatory compound present in the carrots provide relief from pain and inflammation caused by inflammatory diseases like arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid, asthma and bronchial asthma, etc.
The anti-inflammatory benefit of carrots is higher than the benefit provided by anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and Celebrex, etc.
Beauty Benefits Of Carrot For Skin
Some of the major beauty benefits of carrots for skin are as follows.
(1) Provides Glowing Skin
Carrots improve our skin health and help in bringing out the natural glow of the skin because of their rich nutritious profile.
Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in carrots protect the skin cells from free radical damage and minimizes various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc.
It improves skin radiance.
For this, mix some grated carrots with honey, and apply it to the face as a face mask. Leave it for 10-15 minutes and then wash off with water.
This face mask will make your skin soft, supple, and radiant.
(2) Treats Skin Blemishes And Scars
Both consumption and as well as topical application of carrots help in treating skin blemishes and scars.
Applying carrot pulp on the pulp can clear out skin blemishes because of the antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other relevant compounds in them.
These antioxidants protect the skin from free radical damage, clear out skin blemishes, and minimizes other signs of premature aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
(3) Provides Anti-aging Benefits
Carrot is a wonderful anti-aging compound as it contains antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols that protect our skin cells from free radical damage, and keep various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc at bay.
Vitamin C enhances the production of collagen, an amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles and saggy skin.
(4) Protects Against Harmful Sun Rays
Carrots protect our skin against the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Prolonged exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun can give rise to problems like wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, actinic keratosis, and solar elastosis.
Vitamin A, vitamin C, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our skin cells from harmful UV rays of the sun and improves skin health.
(5) Suitable For Dry Skin
Carrots prevent dry skin as it has potassium in it. This mineral maintains fluid balance in the body, hydrates the skin, and reduces the risk of skin dryness.
Alternatively, you can submerge a peeled carrot in a glass jar filled with coconut oil. Place the jar in sunlight for two to three days, and then strain the oil to use as a skin moisturization.
Vitamin C in carrots not only protects the skin cells from free radical damage but also enhances the production of collagen.
Collagen is an amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and is thus beneficial against skin dryness. It minimizes wrinkles and skin sagging.
(6) Treats Various Skin Ailments
Essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and dietary fibers, etc in the carrots improve skin health and minimize the risk of various skin ailments like acne, pimples, and eczema, etc.
Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people around the world and is mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, impurities, and other unwanted substances within the skin pores.
Dietary fibers in carrots eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our system.
When there are fewer toxins in the system, they are less likely to accumulate in skin pores, and thus minimizes the risk of skin problems like acne, pimples, rashes, and eczema, etc.
The antimicrobial properties of carrots protect the skin from microbial infections.
Vitamin A, vitamin C, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene protects the skin from free radical damage, and thus improves skin health.
(7) Possess Healing Properties
Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound in the carrot aids in the quick healing of cuts and wounds, and also provides relief from pain and inflammation.
It revitalizes our skin and improves skin tone.
(8) Good For People With Oily Skin
Carrots improve our skin health and aids in treating oily skin problems.
For this, boil a carrot in water and blend it in a blender. Add two teaspoons of honey and mix them thoroughly to form a smooth paste.
Let it cool to bearable temperature and then apply to the skin. Let it air dry for 20 minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
(9) Carrot Anti-Wrinkle Pack
Carrots help in keeping wrinkles at bay. Both consumption and as well as topical application of carrots help in keeping the skin free of wrinkles.
To use an anti-wrinkle pack, grate one carrot and mix three spoons of whole milk cream to form a thick paste.
Apply it on the face once a week. This will improve skin health, and will also combat fine lines and wrinkles.
Beauty Benefits Of Carrot For Hair
Following are the major beauty benefits of carrots for hair
(1) Helps In Treating Hair Loss
Carrots are beneficial for our hair follicles and scalp as it contains essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fibers, etc.
Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect the hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage, and prevent premature greying of hair, hair fall, split ends, etc.
Nutrients in the carrots provide nourishment to our hair follicles, strengthens them, and thus minimizes hair loss.
It adds a natural shine to the hair.
(2) Promotes Hair Growth And Prevents Premature Greying Of Hair
Vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in carrots protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage, and thus minimizes premature greying of hair, hair fall, split ends, etc.
They provide nourishment to the hair follicles and scalp and keep them healthy.
A healthy scalp promotes the growth of new hair follicles and also improves the health of existing hair follicles.
Carrots make our hair strong and healthy, and add luster to the hair.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about the topic, and should not be taken as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice treatment or diagnosis. Always consult with your doctor before trying out any of the remedies/recipes suggested in the blog post.
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