Carrot: The Wonder Vegetable

Carrot, the orange vegetable has always been considered highly nutritious. Grandmothers say, Eat carrot for better vision . Not just eye health, carrots have various other health benefits too.

Carrots have a lot of health benefits. Many are under the impression that carrots are just good for your eyes. But the truth is, they have varied other benefits too. The health benefits of carrot include cancer prevention, improved blood circulation, prevention of digestive disorders, skin nourishment, improved teeth health, de-worming and prevention of infections. It is also a healthy snack.

The beta-carotene in carrots is an excellent source of Vitamin A, which is essential for keeping the retina of the eye in good condition.

Falcarinol, a fatty alcohol technically called polyacetylenes, in carrot helps reduce fungal infections thereby reducing the risk of colon and lung cancer. People who consume carrots are at one third the risk of contracting cancer than those who don’t. According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, ‘aliphatic C(17)-polyacetylenes (falcarinol) are potential anticancer principles of carrots and related vegetables and that synergistic interaction between bioactive polyacetylenes may be important for their bioactivity’.

Carrot intake is essential for purification and revitalization of blood, thereby improving blood flow and also reducing risk of stroke. Eating carrots regularly ensures that your digestive system is in good shape and disorders or gastric ulcers are prevented.

The alpha-carotene in carrots is known to nourish the skin and hair thereby making this an anti aging food. Not only does this antioxidant delay aging signs, but can also help reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer and CVD. A CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) study found that serum alpha-carotene concentrations were inversely associated with risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer and other diseases.

The crunchiness and the effort needed to chew carrots give a shine to the teeth. Carrots also act as antiseptics. Cuts or wounds can be treated by applying carrot juice on the wounds or by boiling and mashing them and then applying them. This also helps with de-worming.

Carrot is a healthy snack that gives you a feeling of fullness. Instead of grabbing a pack of fried chips or unhealthy snacks when feeling hungry, munch on a carrot. It can do the wonders for you if you are on a weight loss program.

Juices for Detoxification and Wellbeing
Freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices can work wonders for the body and mind. Winters are the best time to benefit from the nutrient rich fresh green, red, orange fruits and vegetables.

So next time you walk down to the market, don’t forget the carrots. Lose weight, be healthy and enjoy the taste of this wonderful vegetable.

Source-Medindia