Carrots are one of the most widely used and enjoyed vegetables in the
world, partly because they grow relatively easily, and are very
versatile in a number of dishes and cultural cuisines.
Carrots are
scientifically classified as
Daucus carota, and
it is categorized as a root vegetable. It is typically orange in color,
but purple, white, yellow, and red carrots are out there, just not as
common.
The taproot of the carrot is the part of the vegetable most
commonly eaten, although the greens are still beneficial in salads and
other forms.
Carrots are more than a tasty addition to soups, salads and juices.
They are also good for your body’s overall health, especially that of
the skin, eyes, digestive system and teeth!
So if the sweet flavor isn’t enough, enjoy these 10 reasons to eat more carrots:
1. Beta carotene: Carrots are a rich source of this
powerful antioxidant, which, among other vital uses, can be converted
into vitamin A in the body to help maintain healthy skin.
2. Digestion: Carrots increase saliva and supply
essential minerals, vitamins and enzymes that aid in digestion. Eating
carrots regularly may help prevent gastric ulcers and other digestive
disorders.
3. Alkaline elements: Carrots are rich in alkaline
elements, which purify and revitalize the blood while balancing the
acid/alkaline ratio of the body.
4. Potassium: Carrots are a good source of
potassium, which can help maintain healthy sodium levels in the body,
thereby helping to reduce elevated
blood pressure levels.
5. Dental Health: Carrots kill harmful germs in the mouth and help prevent tooth decay.
6. Wounds: Raw or grated carrots can be used to help heal wounds, cuts and
inflammation.
7. Phyto-nutrients: Among the many beneficial
phyto-chemicals that carrots contain is a phyto-nutrient called
falcarinol, which may reduce the risk of
colon cancer and help promote
overall colon health.
8. Carotenoids: Carrots are rich in carotenoids, which our bodies can use to help regulate
blood sugar.
9. Fiber: Carrots are high in soluble fiber, which
may reduce cholesterol by binding the LDL form (the kind we don’t want)
and increasing the HDL form (the kind our body needs) to help reduce
blood clots and prevent
heart disease.
10. Eyes, hair, nails and more! The nutrients in
carrots can improve the health of your eyes, skin, hair, nails and more
through helping to detoxify your system and build new cells!
There are plenty more reasons to enjoy these crunchy, sweet root
vegetables, so reserve a spot in your garden plot for planting some, or
pop down to the local market to pick up a bunch!
See the table below for in depth analysis
of nutrients:
Carrots
(Daucus
carota), Fresh, raw,
Nutrition value per 100 g.
Total-ORAC value 666 umol TE/100 g.
(Source: USDA National
Nutrient data base)
| Principle |
Nutrient Value |
Percentage of
RDA |
| Energy |
41 Kcal |
2% |
| Carbohydrates |
9.58 g |
7% |
| Protein |
0.93 g |
1.5% |
| Total Fat |
0.24 g |
1% |
| Cholesterol |
0 mg |
0% |
| Dietary Fiber |
2.8 g |
7% |
| Vitamins |
|
|
| Folates |
19 µg |
5% |
| Niacin |
0.983 mg |
6% |
| Pantothenic
acid |
0.273 mg |
5.5% |
| Pyridoxine |
0.138 mg |
10% |
| Riboflavin |
0.058 mg |
4% |
| Thiamin |
0.066 mg |
6% |
| Vitamin A |
16706 IU |
557% |
| Vitamin C |
5.9 mg |
10% |
| Vitamin K |
13.2 µg |
11% |
| Electrolytes |
|
|
| Sodium |
69 mg |
4.5% |
| Potassium |
320 mg |
6.5% |
| Minerals |
|
|
| Calcium |
33 mg |
3% |
| Copper |
0.045 mg |
5% |
| Iron |
0.30 mg |
4% |
| Magnesium |
12 mg |
3% |
| Manganese |
0.143 mg |
6% |
| Phosphorus |
35 mg |
5% |
| Selenium |
0.1 µg |
<1% |
| Zinc |
0.24 mg |
2% |
| Phyto-nutrients |
|
|
| Carotene-α |
3427 µg |
-- |
| Carotene-ß |
8285 µg |
-- |
| Crypto-xanthin-ß |
0 µg |
-- |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin |
256 µg |
-- |
Reference
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