Ten benefits of carrots

Who does not get cranky right at the moment he/she sees lots of vegetables on the plate. Most of the vegetables are plain looking and dull. But exceptions exist in anything and everything. Carrots are comparatively liked by people especially children. Of course its bright orange colour gives it an advantage over the other gloomy looking vegetables. But we also cannot deny the fact that carrots do not taste that bad.

Carrots are root vegetables that contain high amounts of Vitamin A, minerals and anti-oxidants. There are numerous advantages of having carrots. Mentioned below are the ten most significant benefits.

1.     Controls Blood pressure

These days people endure so much of anxiety and stress that it is not baffling to see every second person facing the problem of high blood pressure. High blood pressure can be enormously dangerous leading to strokes and heart attacks. Carrots are rich sources of potassium, which is a vasodilator, thus carrots help in relaxing the tension in blood vessels and arteries, leading to increase in blood flow and circulation.

2.    Anti-aging

The biggest fear in each individual’s life is seeing himself/herself age. Everyone dreads the thought of growing old.  Although there is nothing in the world that can stop a person from aging eventually, but carrots can help in slowing down the aging of cells. Carrots consist of high levels of beta-carotene that act as antioxidants to cell damage done to the body through regular metabolism. 

3.    Fiber

More than 10 million people per annum suffer from obesity in India. But obesity does not only exist in India, it is prevalent in all parts of the world. Obesity is a root cause of infinite number of diseases.  Fiber contributes in weight management, as a diet high in fiber can keep a person full for longer time. A medium carrot provides with 2 g of fiber, or 7% of the daily recommended value. Fiber is one of three types of nutritional carbohydrates, thus carrots are a great source of energy too.

4.    Improves eye sight

Eyes are one the most essential sense organs of our body. It is vital to keep good care of them. Carrots contain Beta-carotene and lutein. These are compounds that are concentrated in the retina of our eyes. They help to protect our vision - especially night vision.

5.    Cancer prevention

Cancer is one of the most deadly diseases in which abnormal cells start destroying body tissues.  It is commonly said that carrots reduce the risk of certain types of cancer by up to one-third. Falcarinol, a natural pesticide found in carrots prevent the growth of fungal diseases.

6.    Diabetes

Carrots are extremely helpful in regulation of blood sugar levels due to the presence of carotenoids. Carotenoids lower blood sugar. They also regulate the amount of insulin and glucose providing a more even and healthy fluctuation for diabetic patients.

7.    Maintaining teeth and gums

Just like our entire body needs a little workout to remain fit, so do our teeth and gums. Carrots are so crunchy. 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.

8.    Healthy glowing skin

There is nothing more charming than a healthy glowing skin. It is the glow in the skin that matters and definitely not the complexion. Carrots contain Vitamin A and antioxidants that protect the skin from sun damage. These also help in preventing wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes, uneven skin tone.

9.    Lung health

Carrots protect the respiratory system from infection. Although smoking is highly injurious to health and should not be accepted at all, carrots can be a life saver. Eating carrots can possibly counter the bad effects of smoking.

10.  Eating carrots during pregnancy

It is very important to be cautious at the time of pregnancy for the well- being of the child and mother. Carrot juice can help nursing mothers to enrich their milk and fulfils the demand of calcium during pregnancy. In addition carrot juice enriches the infant with Vitamin A.