Carrots – The Colorful Way to Good Health
March 30, 2009
Carrots – the power boosters
Carrots are the goldmine of nutrients. They come first when we rate vegetables according to their nutritional values. No other vegetable or fruit contain so much carotene as carrots. Carotene is the raw material which the body converts into Vitamin A. Apart from vitamin A; carrots are also a rich source of Vitamin B and Vitamin C along with calcium pectate. Along with this carrot is an herbaceous plant containing about 87% water, rich in mineral salts and vitamin C and D. Carrots also contain, in smaller amounts, essential oils, carbohydrates and nitrogenous composites. They are well-known for their sweetening, anti-anaemic, healing, diuretic, re-mineralizing and sedative properties. But to achieve all the goodness of carrots, one must chew the carrot; it is always better when eaten raw than cooked.
Carrots – the wonder drug
Good health is something we all want and pray to achieve. Good health can be achieved only through proper nutrition. No medicine can give us good health if we do not take care of our nutritional intakes. Carrots provide us with almost all the nutrition required for a sound body and mind. Apart from being a good source of the important vitamins, carrots are also rich in antioxidants Beta Carotene, Alpha Carotene, Phytochemicals and Glutathione, Calcium and Potassium. These antioxidants protect and nourish the skin. Carrots also contain a form of calcium easily absorbed by the body. Finally they also contain Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorous and Sulphur – better than any wonder drug!!
Contents of a carrot
Beta carotene
The three most important elements contained in carrots are Beta carotene, Alpha carotene and phytochemicals. Beta Carotenes help form Vitamin A in the body and thus help in formation and maintenance of skin, mucous membranes, bones, and teeth, vision and reproduction. In addition, it helps in reducing the risk of cancer and tumour and also acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants fight free radicals and help prevent them from causing membrane damage, DNA mutation, and lipid (fat) oxidation, all of which may lead to many of the diseases that we consider “degenerative”.
Alpha carotene
Alpha carotene may be more powerful than beta carotene in inhibiting processes that may lead to tumor growth.
Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals help reduce the risk of cancer, strokes, hinder the ageing process, balance hormonal metabolism, and have antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Apart from these, carrots help cure anemia, reduces acne, improve the power of eye, fights bronchitis, reduces the risk of high blood pressure and improves muscles, skin and fibre. No doubt carrot is called a ’short cut to good health’!
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