How Carrots Promote a Healthy Lifestyle
Nutrient Content (1 cup)
Vitamins
Excellent Source of:
- Vitamin A – 428%
- Vitamin K – 21%
Good Source of:
- Vitamin C – 13%
Also a Source of:
- Vitamin B6 – 9%
- Folate – 6%
- Niacin – 6%
- Thiamin – 6%
Minerals
Good Source of:
- Potassium – 12%
Source of:
- Manganese – 9%
- Sodium – 4%
- Phosphorus – 4%
- Magnesium – 4%
- Calcium – 4%
Other
A Source of:
- Fiber – 14%
- Omega-6 Fatty Acids
*All nutritional Info From (1)
How Carrots Prevent Chronic Disease
Carrots contain beneficial nutrients and antioxidants that make them a great resource for chronic disease prevention.
How Carrots Prevent Cancer
Carrots are loaded with antioxidants that prevent different cancers. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals that otherwise damage your cells and tissues via a process known as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to permanent tissue damage, inflammation, and proliferation and spread of cancer cells throughout the body. (2)
Specifically, carrots are rich in carotenoids, which can help prevent prostate, colon, and stomach cancers. There have been studies suggesting that women who consume more carotenoids have a lower risk of breast cancer than women who do not consume as many. (3, 4)
More studies are needed to corroborate findings on the effect of carotenoids on lung cancer. Preliminary research found their impact substantial, but newer research has shown an insignificant association. (5)
Carrots are rich in lycopene, which gives some carrots their red and purple colors. Studies have shown that lycopene can reduce cancer risk. (6)
Lastly, carrots are high in polyacetylenes. Polyacetylenes have been shown to reduce risk of leukemia and many other cancers by suppressing cancer generation. (7)
How Carrots Prevent Cardiovascular Disease
Carrots have been linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. They have powerful antioxidants that can improve immune function and lower inflammation.
In addition to reducing cancer risk, lycopene plays an important role in reducing risk of heart disease. (8)
High blood cholesterol has been shown to increase risk of heart disease. As LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) builds up, it can clump as plaque in the blood vessels. As plaque develops, there is an increased risk of compromised blood flow. Blood won’t make it to certain parts of your body. Ultimately, this can lead to a heart attack. (9)
In short, it is important to have foods with high levels of antioxidants to prevent and reduce risk of heart related conditions. Carrots are a heart healthy food, as they provide a substantial amount of lycopene.
How Carrots Prevent Diabetes
Some people think that carrots are not the best for diabetes, but their information is not accurate. Carrots are high in fiber, specifically pectin. Fibers can help feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut and slow down the digestion of sugars. As a result, you feel fuller for a longer period of time and reduce caloric intake. (10)
In addition, carrots are low on the glycemic index chart. They are typically low in sugars, so they don’t cause blood sugar spikes, and can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes trying to maintain their glycemic levels. (11)
Carrots Promote a Number of Health Benefits
How Carrots Promote Digestive Health
As mentioned above, carrots have a high fiber content. As a result, they are good for digestive health because their soluble fiber feeds the healthy bacteria in your gut. Carrots also have insoluble fibers, namely cellulose and lignin. These fibers can help maintain regular bowel movements and manage constipation. (12)
How Carrots Promote Eye Health
Carrots are high in vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for eye health, and individuals who lack vitamin A may experience night blindness. (13)
In addition, carrots are rich in lutein. Lutein is likewise important for eye health and mostly found in orange carrots. (14)
Lastly, carrots are rich in carotenoids. In many studies, carotenoids have been shown to suppress age-related macular degeneration. This condition becomes more prevalent as we age, but carotenoids can prolong eye sight well into advanced ages. (15)
How Carrots Promote Weight Loss
As mentioned before, carrots are high in fiber. As a result, you feel fuller and consume fewer calories. So, carrots can assist weight loss because you consume less during your meals. (16)
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