They actually get around on all fours and don’t even like orange root vegetables. In doing so, they lose out on the many health benefits that the delicious vegetable has to offer. We, who actually stand on our own two feet for the most part, eat carrots in a number of ways – we can, imitating the old TV tapes, eat them raw, but carrots can be roasted and added to various dishes such as soups and stews.
Carrots are rich in vitamins and minerals, while the root is low in calories. A carrot has approximately 90% water content, while the remaining 10% is carbohydrates, which are a good source of fiber. Pectin is the main form of soluble fiber in carrots. Besides improving digestion and thus reducing blood sugar levels, it also brings beneficial bacteria to the intestinal microflora, thus strengthening the body further.
The vitamins and minerals in carrots are essential for the body and have multiple functions to strengthen it. Contains vitamins A, K1, B6, and B7, as well as potassium. Carrots also contain carotenoid cells – they give the vegetable its characteristic orange color. Apart from their coloring function, they can be converted into vitamin A in the body. The benefits of the vitamins and minerals in the carrot are as follows:
1. Vitamin A – improves vision
Derived from carotenoids, this vitamin protects vision by reducing its progressive deterioration over time. In addition to vision, vitamin A supports growth, bone health, and the immune system
2. Vitamin K1 – builds strong bones
Also known as phylloquinone, vitamin K1 supports bone health by improving bone density.
3. Vitamins B6 and B7 – support metabolism
Vitamin B6 has a role in muscle healing, but it is mostly involved in the conversion of nutrients such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into glucose. Vitamin B7, also called biotin, is involved in the breakdown of proteins and fats.
4. Potassium – a vital mineral
Potassium cannot be formed in the body but must be obtained from food or a nutritional supplement. It helps cells function normally and plays a role in the contraction of muscles, including the heart. Thus, potassium is important for heart health and reduces the risk of arrhythmias.
Many of the substances in carrots also act as antioxidants, which are associated with reducing chronic inflammation in the body and lowering the risk of many diseases, including cardiovascular and cancer.