Wonderful Health Benefits of Carrots

You may have been told at some point in your life by your parents that eating your carrots will help you see in the dark. Unfortunately, this is not entirely true – it was a myth made up by the British air force during the Second World War to hide the fact that they used radar to see enemy planes – but it also leaves out all the other reasons why eating carrots benefits your health. From skin health to weight loss, carrots offer a range of benefits to your body and mind. Here are ten of our favourites!

Vision Support

Interestingly enough, there is a grain of truth in the link between carrots and eye health. While they may not give you super night vision, they are rich in beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. These chemicals are known to reduce the risk of cataracts and vision degeneration as you get older. They also help filter harmful high-energy blue light to protect the eyes even more.

Immune System Enhancement

Beta-carotene is one of many antioxidants found in carrots that support your health. Another compound present in carrots is Vitamin C, which contributes to a strong immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells, your body’s first line of defence against infectious diseases.

Digestive Health

Carrots, like other root vegetables, are rich sources of both soluble and insoluble fibre. Each of these supports digestive health in its own way: soluble fibre feeds the good gut bacteria that break down lots of the food in your intestines, and insoluble fibre promotes regular bowel movements and prevents constipation by helping stool clump together.

Heart Health

The soluble fibre in carrots, as well as balancing your gut microbiome, helps lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol. It does this by binding with the cholesterol in the intestines so that it can be removed from the body. Potassium, which is also found in carrots keeps your blood pressure in check and reduces your risk of heart disease.

Skin Nourishment

When absorbed into the body, beta-carotene is converted into Vitamin A, which is essential in protecting the health of your skin (and indeed, your eyes). Vitamin A helps the body repair and maintain skin tissue, as well as preventing dryness, reducing the appearance of stretch marks, and protecting against sun damage.

Oral Health

One of the best things about carrots is the satisfying crunch of biting into them. As it happens, this crunchy texture stimulates the gums to make more saliva, which helps to cleanse the mouth of harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Although carrots are fairly high in natural sugars, like other root vegetables, the fibre in carrots slows down the speed at which the body absorbs sugars and other carbs, preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. This makes carrots a great food for people with diabetes.

Cancer Risk Reduction

The chemicals that give carrots their unique orange colour are, aptly, called carotenoids. These carotenoids have been seen in some studies to reduce the risk of certain cancers. They also act as antioxidants, fighting off the free radicals that cause cells to create tumours in the first place.

Weight Management

Despite their natural sugar content, carrots can provide an option for snacking that is both filling and low in calories. This is because of the high amounts of fibre and water that are also found in carrots, which make you feel fuller and more nourished. Pair them with a low-calorie dip for a tasty afternoon treat!

Brain Function

The antioxidants in carrots don’t just protect your body, they also protect your brain. Antioxidants, particularly beta-carotene and other carotenoids, have been seen to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and memory later in life, shielding you from degenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s.

FAQs

Is it better to eat carrots fresh or frozen?

A common misconception is that frozen vegetables are less healthy than fresh. In reality, the nutritional value of fresh and frozen carrots is the same in many cases. There are advantages and disadvantages to both – frozen vegetables may be easier to prepare in a hurry, but you might not get the same crunch as a fresh carrot. More information on frozen veg can be found here.

Are cooked carrots better than raw carrots?

Cooking carrots can reduce the quantities of some water-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin C. However, some nutrients, like beta-carotene, are more easily absorbed by the body when the carrots are cooked. You can also add depth of flavour to your carrots by cooking them, which makes them more palatable.

Are there any side-effects of eating too many carrots?

Yes, there are. Eating too many carrots can cause a curious skin condition called carotenemia, in which the skin absorbs too much beta-carotene and becomes slightly yellow or orange. If this happens, it usually fades away after the beta-carotene intake is reduced.

In the end, improved night vision doesn’t need to be the only reason to include carrots in your diet. Carrots can help with everything from gut health to heart health to brain health, and yes, they can even keep your eyes in shape. There is no time like now to add this staple food to your diet and reap the many benefits carrots can offer. Of course, it is always best to look for organic food, which provides the most nutrients and the fewest harmful chemicals of any foods available. 

Further Read,

• Fresh Foods vs Frozen Foods: Which is Better?

• Benefits of Green Beans for Weight Loss

• Benefits of Walnuts for Weight Loss