PICTURE: PEXELS/CARROTS
You’ve likely heard that carrots are healthy for your eyes, but they’re much more than that. These crunchy vegetables are a nutritional powerhouse, full of vitamins, antioxidants, and a hint of sweetness.
There are many advantages to increasing the amount of carrots on your plate which are explored by the below publications:
According to the health-focused publication Healthline, “The carrot (Daucus carota) is a root vegetable often claimed to be the perfect health food. It is crunchy, tasty, and highly nutritious. Carrots are a particularly good source of beta-carotene, fibre, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants. Plus, they’re low in calories.”
The health publication also states that carrots come in a variety of colours, such as orange, red, purple, white, and yellow. Beta carotene, an antioxidant that your body transforms into vitamin A, gives orange carrots their vibrant colour.
The Health publication claims that carrots’ soluble fibre has been demonstrated to help control post-meal insulin and blood sugar levels. In addition to being low on the glycemic index, raw or mildly cooked carrots offer a consistent source of energy. They contain a lot of water—in fact, 88% of them are water—in addition to the fibre they offer. This mixture increases fullness.
“The potassium in carrots plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. This mineral balances sodium levels and helps sweep excess sodium and fluid out of the body, which takes the pressure off the heart,” according to the above publication.
Medical News Today states that vitamin K, as well as trace levels of calcium and phosphorus, are found in carrots. Each of these supports bone health and may help ward off osteoporosis.
“There are two seasons for carrots — the spring and fall — but they are usually available in supermarkets all year. It is best to store carrots in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator. Remove any greens from the tops before storing them to prevent them from drawing moisture and nutrients from the roots,” the above health news publication also mentions.
Also see: Can pistachios support eye health? Here’s what you need to know
