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Carrots, the Rest of the Story

12/9/2013

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Last week when I wrote about carrots and dental health, I focused only on a few of the many health benefits caused by eating carrots. In this post, I will focus on the rest of the healthy benefits of eating carrots.

Carrots are rich in carotenoids (beta-carotene) and vitamin A, both antioxidants, as well as vitamin K, and potassium. Plus, carrots are a good source of fiber, flavonoids and vitamin C, also both antioxidants, and B vitamins. A medium-sized carrot has nearly twice the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for vitamin A, close to the same amount of potassium as a small banana and close to the RDA for vitamin K! The RDA for vitamin A is 900 micrograms (mcg, 6,000 IU) retinol activity equivalents (RAE) for adult men and 700 mcg (4,667 IU) RAE for women. A medium-sized carrot has 10,191 IU (3,057 mcg).

You are probably aware that carotenoids (beta-carotene) and vitamin A in carrots are beneficial for eye health. Beta-carotene helps prevent cataracts and protect against macular degeneration, and is converted into vitamin A in the liver, which is required for night vision.

Eating carrots has been shown to lower the risk of cancer, and researchers isolated falcarinol, a natural pesticide in carrots, as a compound that reduced likelihood of developing tumors in rats. Falcarinol could be responsible for the anti-cancer benefits of carrots

Eating carrots helps prevent heart disease and stroke. The high levels of potassium in carrots helps lower blood pressure, which protects your heart and reduces your risk of stroke. Antioxidants in carrots (carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin C, and flavonoids) also reduce the risk of heart disease.

Eating carrots helps keep your skin looking younger. Antioxidants in carrots fight free radicals and slow the aging of cells, which slows other effects of aging and nourishes the skin.

The high levels of vitamin K in carrots speeds up blood clotting, which prevents excess bleeding from cuts, scrapes, and scratches.

Carrots are a good source of fiber, which helps lower blood cholesterol levels and prevent constipation. Carrots help detoxify the liver and cleanse the digestive tract. The B vitamins in carrots act a cofactors that bind to enzymes and assist in biochemical transformations.

Carrots are an alkaline-forming food, and as such do not contribute to an acid load in the body. As an alkaline-forming food, carrots help balance the pH of the body.

Carrots are low in fat and calories, which makes them perfect for maintaining a healthy weight.

Resources
  • http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/carrots.html
  • http://letsgohealthy.blogspot.com/2013/03/carrots-health-benefits-and-nutrition.html
  • http://juicingforwomen.com/8-carrot-juice-benefits/
  • http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-reasons-to-eat-more-carrots.html

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    Terri Quenzer, PhD

    Terri has a passion for good health and for helping others find happiness in themselves through better health! Through her scientific and life experiences, her goal is to help you reach your healthy goals!

    ​Be The Healthy U!: nominated for San Diego's Best Nutrition/Cooking Classes of 2016!

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    Catch Terri's interview about plant-based nutrition on KCQB 1170 AM - click here.

    How Not to Die: Terri interviews New York Times Bestselling Author Michael Greger, MD. Listen below.
    Terri speaks with Jordan Hoffman of Jordan Hoffman Acupuncture about what to eat and East vs West.
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