The
carrots nutritional benefits of beta-carotene are also an anti-oxidant that combats the free radicals that bestow to conditions like heart disease, cancer, and macular degeneration. Beta-carotene could possibly ward off cancers of the uterus, cervix and stomach, and it can also help prevent heart disease because of its anti-oxidant abilities. Some recent research suggests people who eat five or more carrots a week are less likely to suffer a stroke than for those who only eat one carrot a month. Some other studies have indicated that men with a high level of beta-carotene and vitamin C had a lower risk of cancer than the men that have lower levels. Carrots also have another anti-oxidant that is called alpha-carotene and another study concluded that men who ingest high amounts of alpha carotene have less chance of getting lung cancer.
Cooking carrots slightly, you free up the beta-carotene from the fiber, and allow our bodies to absorb it better. Eating only a half-cup a day will give us more than recommended daily dosage of beta-carotene. If you buy carrots from the store with tops still attached you will need to remove them before you store them. If you do not remove them, these tops will absorb all the vitamins.
Carrot juice nutrients can also be absorbed by the body by adding them to your favorite juice blend.
A single carrot will supply all the vitamin A you need for an entire day. The type of sugar that carrots contain is turned into blood sugar very fast, but since the amount is low carrots are still on the diabetics menu. Carrots are one of the richest sources of beta-carotene, which has contributed to a lower risk of diabetes. One study found that those with the highest blood levels of beta-carotene had lower insulin levels than those with the lowest beta-carotene levels. Carrots health benefits also help protect against macular degeneration and cataracts. They are rich in soluble fiber, and will help lower cholesterol levels.
Some raw food proponents think that raw carrots are better for you than cooked. In the case of carrots that is not true; you get different carrot health benefits from the raw and even different ones from cooked carrots. Raw carrots contain more vitamin C and cooked carrots release more of the beta-carotene.
Carrots and weight loss is due to their high fiber content which is important in losing weight. Fiber cannot be digested it simply passes through the body, with other food attached to it. It does not stop our digestive system from trying, it just sends out more enzymes to try to break it down. This helps to use all foods energy and speeds up our metabolism. Carrots are low in fat and calories and very high in nutrients not only of beta carotene and vitamin A but also potassium. These carrot nutrients help our bodies function more smoothly, and therefore burn more calories.
