It is well known that the wild ancestors of the carrot (Daucus carota – the wild carrot) came from Persia and Asia Minor (10th century) – from geographic area which is now covered by Iran and Afghanistan. When carrots were first cultivated, they were grown for their aromatic leaves and seeds rather than their roots. Carrot seeds have been found in Switzerland and Southern Germany dating to 2000–3000 BC.
Scientists suggested that originally carrot was purple or white with a thin root, and only later carrots mutated and became orange.
Carrots are very healthy and useful vegetables – they are low in calories and high in nutrition, they are rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins and dietary fiber. Carrot health benefits are well known – actually people first grew carrots as medicine (not food) for a variety of ailments. One carrot (medium size) has 25 calories, 6 grams of carbohydrates and about 2 grams of fiber. Carrots are the perfect source of vitamin A – providing more than 200% of daily requirement in just one carrot. Actually carrot contains beta-carotene (carotenoids) which human body converts into vitamin A. Beta-carotene is one of the powerful natural anti-oxidant that helps protect human body from harmful oxygen-free radical injury. It was noted that the deeper orange the carrot – the more beta-carotene it has.
Carrots are especially rich in B-vitamins (folic acid, B-6, thiamin, pantothenic acid) and contain also vitamin C and minerals (copper, calcium, potassium, manganese and phosphorus).
It is interesting to know that carrot can be not only orange but can also be white, yellow, red and purple. Main carrot health benefits include good vision, beautiful skin, cancer prevention, anti-aging, proper digestion and healthy teeth.
100 g carrots have only 41 calories; Carrots cooked in fat and oils or smashed and juiced increases the availability of carotenoids by 600%; Fats help the absorption of beta-carotene into the blood by 1000% as carotenoids are fat soluble.
Carrot and vision
Carrot can improve our vision and they may help to see well in the dark. First, beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the liver – vitamin A is vital for healthy vision. Second, vitamin A is transformed to rhodopsin (in the retina) – purple pigment necessary for night vision. Beta-carotene has also been shown to protect against macular degeneration and senile cataracts.
Carrot and cancer
Several studies proved that carrots can reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. According to scientists, carrot’s specific properties called “falcarinol” and “falcarindiol” are responsible for anticancer functions. Actually falcarinol is a natural pesticide produced by the carrot that protects its roots from fungal diseases. Laboratory tests demonstrated reduced cancer risks in carrot eating animals. Another laboratory study found that falcarinol may help fight against cancer by destroying pre-cancerous cells in the tumor.
It is also known that carrot is rich in alkaline elements which purify and revitalize the blood balancing the acid alkaline ratio in the body. Anticancer alkaline diet is well known anticancer diet.
Carrot and skin
Carrots in different colors
Carrots are great for healthy and younger looking skin – variety of vitamins and antioxidants of the carrots could improve the health and quality of the skin. High levels of beta-carotene act as an antioxidant to skin cells’ damage done by sun, environment and air pollution – it helps slow down the aging of skin cells. Vitamin A prevents premature skin wrinkles, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes and uneven skin tone.
Carrots can protect our skin from sun damages (skin sun protection) – beta-carotene can help to protect skin from excessive ultra-violet (UV) radiation and sunburn.
Carrot and immune system
Carrots help to keep human immune system strong – vitamin A is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system.
Carrot and digestive system
Carrots are full of fiber which is important for preventing gastric ulcers and digestive disorders. Fiber also helps to feel full for long period of time – this is very important for normal weight maintenance.
Carrots support healthy digestion by increasing saliva and supplying the minerals, vitamins and enzymes required for it. Raw carrots can be also used as a home remedy for treating worms in children.
Carrot and dental health
Carrots are great for dental health as they kill harmful germs in the mouth and prevent tooth damages and decay.
Carrot and cardiovascular system
Several studies demonstrated that diet high in carotenoids (beta-carotine) is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Regular consumption of carrots also reduces cholesterol levels because carrots’ soluble fibers are binding bile acids (LDL – so called “bad cholesterol”) and also increasing the HDL which helps in reducing blood clots and heart diseases.
At the same time, the carrot’s potassium helps to balance the high levels of sodium associated with hypertension and keeps blood pressure under control.
Carrot and body cleansing
Carrot’s vitamin A assists the liver in flushing out the toxins from the body – it reduces the bile and fat in the liver. The fibers present in carrots help clean out the colon and hasten waste movement.
Carrot and teeth
Carrots can clean teeth and mouth – they scrape off plaque and food particles just like toothbrushes or tooth paste. Carrots stimulate gums and trigger a lot of saliva, which being alkaline, balances out the acid forming, cavity forming bacteria. The minerals in carrots prevent tooth damage.
Carrot and infection
Ancient medicine recommends using carrots for infection prevention – actually carrots can be used on cuts shredded raw or boiled and mashed.
