Baby carrots were created in 1986 when a carrot farmer from California tried to save some of the broken and misshaped carrots in his harvest.
They are actually less-than-perfect carrots, smaller in size as they have been shaved down. To last longer, they have been bathed in chlorine, and are more expensive than whole carrots. Due to this, you should use organic whole carrots instead.
Carrots are extremely healthy vegetables, but they are so common that are often overlooked. Yet, they are now regaining popularity as they are commonly consumed as a snack food or in fresh vegetable juices, stews, and soups.
The US Department of Agriculture claims:
“Thought to be native to central or western Asia (likely Afghanistan), cultivated carrots first arrived in North America with the early Virginia colonists.
Carrots are an important member of the parsley family, which also includes celery, anise, and dill. Like many vegetables, the early history of carrots centered on various medicinal attributes thought suitable for curing a wide range of conditions and maladies.”
Namely, a medium-size carrot or half a cup chopped carrot provides:
- 210% of the average daily recommended amount of vitamin A
- 10% vitamin K
- 6% vitamin C
- 2% calcium
Carrots are extremely rich in vitamin A due to the beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the liver. The term carotene was devised in the early 19th century by a German scientist who crystallized beta-carotene from carrot roots.
Carrot seed oil is high in magnesium, folic acid, potassium, vitamin B6, copper, and thiamine. Yet, they are also high in sugar, so you should consume them in moderate amounts.
Yet, if consumed regularly, carrots prevent heart diseases and strokes and support the health of the bones and the nervous system. Scientists also claim that these vegetables can lower the risk of chronic diseases.
These are some of their health benefits:
The lack of vitamin A in the body might deteriorate the eye’s photoreceptors, causing vision issues, so the consumption of foods high in beta-carotene is extremely beneficial.
Carrot extracts have potent anti-inflammatory properties and their effects are comparable to the ones of anti-inflammatory drugs like Aspirin, Naproxen, Ibuprofen, and Celebrex.
The consumption of more deep-orange-colored fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Studies have shown that carrots are linked to a 32 percent lower risk of CHD, so researchers maintain that:
“… A higher intake of deep orange fruit and vegetables and especially carrots may protect against CHD.”
Plus, the consumption of carrots has been related to the reduced risk of heart attacks in women.
Researchers have found that the carrot extract is extremely useful in the case of cognitive dysfunctions, lowers cholesterol, and boosts memory.
Carrot extract prevents the toxic effects of environmental chemicals on the liver.
Antioxidants in carrots, including beta-carotene, have potent anti-cancer properties. Studies have found that the consumption of carrots more than once a week reduces the risk of lung cancer in smokers.
Also, a diet high in beta-carotene might prevent prostate cancer. The consumption of beta-carotene reduces the risk of colon cancer as well, and the carrot juice extract destroys leukemia cells and prevents their progression.
Furthermore, these vegetables contain falcarinol, which is a natural toxin that protects carrots
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