Carrot Health Benefits
Beta carotene is a type of carotenoid that can be found in carrots as well as other fruits, vegetables, legumes, and dark-skinned plants such as apricots, peaches and plums. It provides health benefits because it helps protect cells against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are created by lifestyle choices including exposure to cigarette smoke, the sun's rays, air pollution, excessive alcohol intake, and poor diet. Beta carotene, when eaten in sufficient amounts, helps prevent the build up of free radicals and helps to repair those that have already formed.
Carrot juice has been used in Asia for centuries to treat visual deficiencies such as astigmatism and presbyopia, two conditions that affect near vision and long sightedness. In recent years, Asian cultures have included carrot juice in their everyday health routines, using the juice in a variety of different ways to maintain good vision. While not the only nutrient that is present in root vegetables, beta carotene is extremely helpful in maintaining healthy eyesight. Vision problems can be corrected with the regular use of carrot juice, especially if the vision problem is related to inadequate visual acuity.
Poor eyesight can be directly related to poor health in other areas of the body. Poor colon health can lead to an increased risk of developing cancer, which is associated with an increased risk of vision loss. It seems that antioxidants, which are contained in carrot juice, help to reduce colon cancer risk and may even slow down the aging process. This is because antioxidants reduce the formation of dangerous free radicals that cause damage to cells, lead to cell damage, and lead to the development of cancerous growths.
Carrot juice has also been shown to contain benefits for preventing and reducing the effects of arthritis. Some studies have shown that root vegetables have a positive effect on reducing arthritis pain. It is believed that the high level of carotene in carrots may help to lower the levels of "bad" cholesterol, which contributes to cardiovascular disease and joint pain. In addition to these carrot health benefits, root vegetables are low in fat, high in fiber, and high in potassium. It is possible to get all of the nutrients that you need from vegetables by consuming a variety of carrots on a daily basis.
It has long been known that carrots contain essential vitamins and minerals that are important to our overall health. These vitamins and minerals help to maintain healthy eyesight and strong bones. They are extremely rich in antioxidants, which contribute to the fight against serious diseases like cancer and heart disease. Carrots contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, E, K, B6, Folic Acid, Inositol, Chlorine, Chromium, Magnesium, Zinc, and several others. Carrots also contain an impressive level of bioflavonoids, which have been shown to contribute to maintaining healthy gums and teeth by acting as an anti-inflammatory and a powerful antioxidant. There are even investigations that suggest that eating carrots on a regular basis may help to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.
Although there are many carrot health benefits, it is important to remember that they are mainly due to the high level of antioxidants found in these root vegetables. Carrots are naturally high in beta-carotene - an excellent source of vitamin A, which is essential for healthy eyesight and skin. But carrot juice and other forms of vegetable juice are low in this highly needed vitamin. Therefore, these vegetables should only be consumed in supplement form, especially if you need high doses of one or more vitamins or minerals. Check with your health care provider before including any vegetables or fruits in your daily diet.
Rich antioxidant foods like carrot juice, spinach, artichokes, broccoli, squash and turnips are excellent sources of minerals and vitamins. But it is important to note that the best way to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs is through the whole, raw food such as those mentioned above. Avoid vegetable oils, dairy products and grains in large quantities, as they are low in nutrients and contain no antioxidants. Instead, add plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds to your diet.
