Is eating carrots good for you?
Eating carrots in moderation is good for you.
Carrots belong to the group of root vegetables that are loaded with several nutrients. They come in various colors, such as yellow, orange, black, white and purple. They are crunchy and delicious with just 25 calories in one medium-sized carrot.
Table 1. Nutrient Content in 100 Grams of Carrots
|Vitamin A||835 micrograms|
|Vitamin C||5.9 milligrams|
|Vitamin E||0.66 milligrams|
Besides these nutrients, carrots also contain several other important nutrients, such as B complex vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc and manganese. Carrots have various antioxidants that protect the body against harmful free radicals. Antioxidants may help decrease the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and various cancers. Carrots are high in fiber, so they help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. They also help keep weight in check since they are a low-calorie food loaded with fiber. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and good vision.
Is it okay to eat carrots every day?
Eating carrots in moderation is good for your health. Eating carrots in excess, however, can cause a condition called carotenemia. This refers to yellowish discoloration of the skin because of the deposition of a substance called beta-carotene that is present in carrots. This change in skin color is more obvious in people with lighter skin tones. The yellowish discoloration classically begins in areas with thicker skin, such as the palms, soles, elbows, knees and the folds around the nose (nasolabial folds). When the affected person continues to eat more beta-carotene-rich foods, such as carrots, mangoes, apricots, apples and pumpkin, more and more skin areas start turning yellowish. Small children and infants are more vulnerable since they are generally fed on the puree of such foods. Certain fad diets may also put a person at risk of carotenemia. Though the change in skin color may be alarming, it is a harmless condition. The treatment simply involves withholding foods containing beta-carotene, such as carrots, pumpkin, cabbage, apricots, cantaloupe, squash, sweet potatoes, yams and oranges. If the skin continues to stay yellowish, you must consult with your doctor since yellowish skin color may also be seen in health conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disorders and thyroid disease. Unlike jaundice, in carotenemia the whites of the eyes (sclera) do not become yellowish.
Medically Reviewed on 12/4/2020
World Carrot Museum