Carrots are scientifically classified as Daucus carota, and it is categorized as a root vegetable. A medium-size carrot has 25 calories, 6 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fiber, however, they provide only 41 calories per 100 g, negligible amount of fat and no cholesterol. Consuming carrots are known to be good for the overall health and specially organs like the skin, eyes, digestive system and teeth. Read on to learn more about the health benefits of carrots.
1. Cancer Prevention
Many studies shown that eating carrots may help lower the risk of breast cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer. This is because carrots contain a compound called Falcarinol, which fights against cancers by destroying pre-cancerous cells in the tumors. Besides, The average carrot contains about three milligrams of beta-carotene. Researchers discovered that increasing beta-carotene consumption from 1.7 to 2.7 milligrams per day reduced lung cancer risk by more than 40 percent.
2. Improved Vision
Perhaps the most well known health benefit that carrots provide is improved eye health. Thanks to the presence of abundant amounts of beta carotene which is converted into Vitamin A in the liver. Deficiency of vitamin A can cause some difficulty seeing in dim light. In addition, beta-carotene help protect against macular degeneration and the development of senile cataracts.
3. Nourish Skin
Carrots are great for your skin, the vitamin A present in carrots protects your skin from sun damage and even prevents premature pigmentation, wrinkling, dry skin, acne and uneven skin tone. In addition, carrots are used as an inexpensive and very convenient facial mask. Just mix grated carrot with a bit of honey.
4. Anti-Aging
The high level of beta-carotene serves as an antioxidant that helps the body to fight against free radicals. So carrots can help slow down the aging of cells and various negative effect associated with aging.
5. Healthy Teeth and Gums
Carrots act as natural abrasives that help in eliminating dirt and plague from the teeth and gums. Them also stimulate the gums and facilitate the formation of a lot of saliva, which being alkaline in nature, balances the acid-forming and cavity-forming bacteria.
6. Cardiovascular Health
Carrots contain a variety of antioxidants and polyacetylenes which together provide a protective shield to the heart. A study produced impressive results with carrots, about 1,300 senior citizens tracked in Massachusetts, those who ate at least 1 cup of carrots every day were 60 percent less likely to have heart problems [source:WHF].
7. Diabetes
Carrots have also been shown to have beneficial effects in helping to reduce the chance of getting diabetes, due to the presence of carotenoids in this delicious vegetable. Carotenoids inversely affect insulin resistance and thus lower blood sugar, thereby helping diabetic patients live a normal, healthy life. A study from the Journal of Epidemiology found that people who had diets high in carotenoids (and who were also non-smokers) were found to be about 48% less likely to develop diabetes.
