Carrots: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
Carrots are a favorite of ours, whether cooked or raw. Despite the fact that our forefathers understood about the amazing fruit's therapeutic capabilities, today's fast food culture is gradually forgetting how healing it truly is and that it hides a true health treasure trove.
Carotenoids, such as alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, which may be transformed into the active form of vitamin A and have a favorable effect on eyesight and the immune system, are among the best sources of provitamin A carotenoids. Carotenoids in carrots provide an orange hue as well as excellent antioxidant defense.
The origin of carrots
It is interesting to note that it was first mentioned in written documents in ancient Greece 2,500 years ago. The ancient Greeks and Romans used it for medicinal purposes, while Hippocrates used it in his recipes as early as 4300 BC.
Water 85%
Carbohydrates 10%
Vitamin A 334%
Vitamin C 9%
Calcium 3%
iron 1%
Vitamin D 0%
Things to pay attention to when buying
If the carrot is mushy, malleable, broken, or has changed color at the root's bottom (took on dark areas), it has been sitting for a long time and should be avoided.
Raw or cooked?
If you're unsure about eating carrots, it's best to consume them cooked rather than raw. You will absorb less than 5% of carotene by nibbling on carrots, however cooked carrots contain up to five times more of the same component. Cooking carrots, on the other hand, results in the full loss of other key antioxidants (polyphenols), indicating that heat treatment has a favorable impact on certain substances but a detrimental effect on others.
Availability: all year round
Refrigerated storage: yes
Shelf life: two weeks in the refrigerator
Preparation: minimal
The best way to prepare: healthy steam cooking in just five minutes
Carrot species
Carrots (Daucus carota), like parsnips, fennel, cumin, and dill, are members of the Umbelliferae family. The umbrella-like blooms on plants in this family are how they received their name. Carrots come in a variety of sizes and colors, with over a hundred distinct varieties.
Medicinal properties of carrots
Carotene is good for dry skin, brittle nails, and hair, as well as improving vision. Carrots improve teeth and bones, safeguard the neurological system, provide vigor, and boost the body's infection resistance. It works wonders for constipation and has a positive impact on liver function. Carrot juice also helps to neutralize gastric acid.
