The colour of the fruit, the appearance,the numerous cooking uses and the crunchy feel when in the mouth makes carrot a fruit that is appealing all individuals not minding the age, size and societal status. However, the fruit classified as a vegetable is well loaded with numerous micro and macro nutrients that functions in a number of ways in our body. Read on and appreciate the carotene ladened fruit called THE CARROT.
Benefits of Carrots
*. Improves vision:
Western culture’s understanding of carrots being “good for the eyes” is one of the few we got right. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the liver. Vitamin A is transformed in the retina, to rhodopsin, a purple pigment necessary for night vision. Beta-carotene has also been shown to protect against macular degeneration and senile cataracts. A study found that people who eat the most beta-carotene had 40 percent lower risk of macular degeneration than those who consumed little.
*.Helps prevent cancer:
Studies have shown carrots reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. Researchers have just discovered falcarinol and falcarindiol which they feel cause the anticancer properties. Falcarinol is a natural pesticide produced by the carrot that protects its roots from fungal diseases. Carrots are one of the only common sources of this compound. A study showed 1/3 lower cancer risk by carrot-eating mice.
*.Slows down ageing :
The high level of beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant to reduce the negative effects of regular metabolism thereby helping to slow down the ageing of cells.
*.Helps to maintain healthy skin:
Vitamin A and antioxidants protects the skin from sun damage. Deficiencies of vitamin A cause dryness to the skin, hair and nails. Vitamin A prevents premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tone.
Carrots has also been used by beauty experts as carrot masks.
*.Prevents heart disease:
Studies show that diets high in carotenoids are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Carrots have not only beta-carotene but also alpha-carotene and lutein. The regular consumption of carrots also reduces cholesterol levels because the soluble fibres in carrots bind with bile acids.
*.Cleanses the body:
Vitamin A assists the liver in flushing out the toxins from the body. It reduces the bile and fat in the liver. The fibres present in carrots help clean out the colon and hasten waste movement as stool bulking agents.
*.Protects teeth and gums:
It’s all about the crunch! Carrots clean your teeth and mouth. They scrape off plaque and food particles just like toothbrushes or toothpaste. Carrots stimulate gums and trigger a lot of saliva, which being alkaline, balances out the acid-forming, cavity-forming bacteria. The minerals in carrots prevent tooth damage.
From all the above benefits it is no surprise that in a study, people who ate more than six carrots a week are less likely to suffer a stroke than those who ate only one carrot a month or less.
Having said all the above, we all now know the numerous benefits of eating carrots, thus lets stay healthy by eating carrots regularly.
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