Carrot is an important vegetable with lots of health benefits, little wonder why every 4th of April is an International Carrot day. To buttress our point, we have put together the major 5 health benefits of carrots below.
1. It improves vision
Carrots are linked to good eyesight because they are rich in beta-carotene which has proven to protect the eye against macular disintegration and senile cataracts. Also, a study found “that people who eat large amounts of beta-carotene had a 40 percent lower risk of macular degeneration than those who consumed little”.
2. It helps prevent cancer
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, “the antioxidant beta-carotene contained in carrots has the capability to protect cell membranes from oxidative stress and inhibit the growth of cancer cells”.
In addition, natural compound called falcarinol are present in carrots. This natural compound is said to slow down the growth of cancerous lesions when fed to rats. Also, a study carried out in 2011 discovered that carrot juice extract could kill leukemia cells and inhibit their progression.
3. Carrots prevent heart disease
Carrots do not only contain beta-carotene but also alpha-carotene and lutein. These two components help to prevent heart disease. A study of over 20,000 people discovered that a higher intake of deep orange fruit and vegetables and most especially carrots may protect against CHD.
Carrots also contain an essential component which is vitamin K content. Vitamin K triggers the protein Gas6, this compound is said to promote cellular communication, which also includes communication among the cells that make up your heart.
4. It helps your weight loss journey
Carrots contain quite a few calories per gram i.e. they are low in energy mass, which is as a result of their high water and fiber content and low-fat content. Therefore, consuming carrot which has a low energy density makes you more filling and less hungry which helps to control what you take in.
5. It boosts immunity level
A high immunity level is important because it helps fights against disease or virus that may attack the body. Vitamin A helps to build the immunity level of the body and one of the major components of carrot is vitamin A. Carrots also contain a small amount of Vitamin C which also help to boost immunity level.
You will see from the foregoing that carrots are essential food you should always eat. You can add them to your smoothie ingredient, use them in your sauce or eat directly. Will you eat carrots today?