Carrots are very crunchy
and delicious. They are in season now and very cheap. Did you know that this
crunchy treat is also very good for your health? Read how to get maximum
benefits from this amazing vegetable.
1. Improved Vision
Carrots are very good for
the eyes. 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.
2. Cancer
Prevention
Studies have shown
carrots reduce the risk of lung cancer, chest 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.
3. Anti-Aging
The high level of
beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant to cell damage done to the body through
regular metabolism. It help slows down the aging of cells.
4. Healthy Glowing
Skin( From the Inside)
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.
5. A Powerful
Antiseptic Carrots are known by herbalists to prevent infection. They can be
used on cuts – shredded raw or boiled and mashed.
6. Beautiful Skin
(from the outside)
Carrots are used as an
inexpensive and very convenient facial mask. Just mix grated carrot with
a bit of honey.
7. Prevent 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 fibers in
carrots bind with bile acids.
8. Cleanse 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 fibers present in carrots help clean out the colon and hasten
waste movement.
9. Healthy Teeth
and Gums
It’s all in 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.
10. Prevent Stroke:
From all the above
benefits it is no surprise that in a Harvard University 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.
So go ahead! Crunch away
on a delicious carrot today to keep the doctor away!
No comments:
Post a Comment