Other than just Bugs Bunny, carrots are perfect for you. These are in fact one of the healthiest snacks you can get. Carrots can soothe junk food cravings when you’re trying to be healthy, with a sweet taste and satisfying crunch. You also have high levels of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber that can reduce the risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Read on to discover 10 convincing reasons why carrots should become a daily habit.
1. Beta-carotin
Carrots are a rich source of beta carotene, which has many health benefits and is an effective antioxidant. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body to keep the skin healthy. Studies have shown that beta carotene also protects the lungs from toxins that cause lung cancer.
In fact, it has been found that ex-smokers who consume beta carotene on a regular basis lower their risk of lung and stomach cancer both. Certain foods rich in beta carotene include broccoli, sweet potatoes, and kale.
2. Digestion
To drive the digestion process, the body requires other essential minerals, vitamins, starch, and enzymes, and carrots have them in the spades. Carrots have equal quantities of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which allows the digestive system to push food.
Beta-carotene transforms to vitamin A, which improves lymphocyte health. Lymphocytes are cells that kill pathogens born in the food.
3. Alkaline Elements
Consuming too much acid-forming food has a detrimental impact on health but eating carrots will help get the body back to a beneficial pH level. Although the body requires both acidic and alkaline foods, more of the latter is required because our current diets continue to contain so much of the former. Try to alkalize foods like carrots and other root vegetables about 80 percent of your daily food intake.
Now, pH values differ naturally in the body – for example, the stomach is very acidic, because it has to be. And the body is very nice because it changes your blood’s pH value by excreting excess acid in your urine. The reason that consuming more alkalizing foods is necessary is simply that it puts less stress on your body in maintaining the proper balance.
4. Potassium
Potassium works to balance fluid levels in collaboration with sodium which contributes to your kidney health and reduces high blood pressure.
Unfortunately, we continue to get much more salt than we need, and at an immense amount, it is bundled into all sorts of processed foods. Carrots will help put the balance back into harmony to alleviate pressure on your kidneys and the whole body.
5. Dental Health
There are a variety of ways that carrots can help keep your teeth and gums safe. Second, just chomping away plaque accumulation on crunchy carrot scraps. Eating carrots often increases the production of saliva, thereby helping to keep the bacteria in check in your mouth.
The alkalizing power can also regulate the pH in your mouth.
6. Wounds
Among carrots, there are two compounds that can improve wound healing-vitamin C and beta carotene. Vitamin C is associated with a healthy immune system and collagen development which is a vital skin part. Beta carotene is believed to decrease inflammation, so the skin can recover more easily.
If you have a wound, you may simply add more carrots to your diet or put some grated carrots into a compress and apply directly to the infected area once it has been scabbed over.
7. Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are plant chemicals that occur naturally and have a whole host of benefits. Falcarinol is one of the most strong phytonutrients in carrots, which is believed to reduce the risk of colon cancer as well as helping overall colon health.
The phytonutrients (including antioxidants) in carrots will potentially decrease the risk of all forms of cancer. When the carrots are baked, the benefits tend to be greater but feel free to enjoy carrots however you want them.
8. Carotenoids
Carrots also feature a specific group of antioxidants called carotenoids which help control blood sugar.
So a carotenoid-rich diet will reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Results of the analysis were varied but all placed the risk reduction in the 15-22 percent range.
9. Fiber
We’ve been thinking about how fiber can help with digestion, but it’s great for other things too. The soluble carrot fiber binds to LDL cholesterol (that’s the poor type) and helps our bodies to remove it. We are also less susceptible to blood clots and at a lower risk of heart failure.
The insoluble fiber helps avoid constipation and blockages of the intestines, minimizing the risk of complications such as hemorrhoids and even colorectal cancer.
10. Eyes, hair, nails, and skin
Carrot’s balanced nutritional profile is perfect for the whole body including hair, nails, skin, and eyes. The phytonutrients contain some of the components the body uses to create new cells. It is a cycle that occurs all the time, but the new cells are not as good as they should be when you have a food deficit and have a shorter lifespan. Healthy youthful cells allow simple lips, healthy skin, and good nails.
The only thing to remember about storing carrots is that after peeling, they are better kept moist, so make sure to add a little water to the jar that houses your carrot sticks. Technically, however, you don’t have to cut carrots until you eat. Many people do it because the peel has a bitter taste.
Are you sure you should eat more carrots? They ‘re very flexible ingredient, fortunately. They are perfect when it comes to salads, stir-fries, and stews. You can dip them in balanced hummus or ranch dressing. Because their natural taste is so appealing, you can also enjoy simple carrots. Only make sure you get enough carrots to enjoy a safe, long life.