Carrot Benefits That You Did Not Know

Its multiple benefits make carrots suitable for both consumption and external use, based on masks, to take advantage of its vitamins and nutrients.

When they tell us about the benefits of carrots, we surely think that it is good for our eyes or that it helps us tan. However, this rich vegetable has many more properties that are worth highlighting. We tell you more in this article.

Keep in mind that to experience the benefits, it is important to introduce the carrot in the context of a balanced and varied diet. This way we make sure that there is no nutrient supply.

The carrot and its benefits

One of the most produced vegetables in the world and that offers us a good amount of vitamins (of complexes A, B, C and E) as well as antioxidants and minerals. In addition, it has almost no calories (33 Kcal per 100 grams) and can be eaten raw, grated, cooked or steamed.

There are many benefits of carrots to put it aside when we prepare our dishes:

Delays premature aging

The folic acid, fiber and magnesium in this vegetable as well as beta-carotenes (which give it that orange color) are sources of youth. These components help the liver to form vitamin A which is necessary, for example, for healthy skin, strengthening bones or the well-being of the immune system. This is evidenced by a study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

These, in turn, protect the body from the damaging action of free radicals (caused by tobacco, pollution or stress).

Eating carrots  reduces the possibility of degenerative diseases and poor blood circulation. As if this were not enough, beta-carotenes prevent certain types of cancer (including lung, mouth or breast).

Maintains intestinal health

When there are problems in the digestive system, it is recommended to consume raw carrots. The vitamin A they provide protects and regenerates the membranes of the stomach and intestines.

It is advised in people who suffer from:

• Acidity.
• Diarrhea.
• Constipation.
• Indigestion.
• Gastritis.
• Ulcers.

The regular consumption of carrots helps to keep the intestine in good condition, especially in patients with irritable bowel, diverticulitis or Crohn’s disease.

They are used to recover from poisonings, infections and intestinal worms. In addition, if eaten boiled or steamed, it softens and soothes the digestive mucosa. Thus, it serves to normalize the traffic and prevents the appearance of hemorrhoids.

Benefits mother and baby

The vitamin A provided by this vegetable is very important for pregnant women, those who are breastfeeding, the fetus and the newborn baby.

• It allows the formation of new cells in the body, as well as provides antioxidants, calcium and folic acid.

• During pregnancy, mothers should consume between 2 and 3 carrots a day to meet the needs of these nutrients.

In turn, when the child already consumes solid food, it is recommended to add a boiled carrot to the plate. In the event that the baby has digestive or intestinal problems, it is a perfect food because it is easily digestible, improves stomach health and promotes the formation of red blood cells.

Control blood sugar

Diabetics benefit greatly from consuming raw carrots due to its carbohydrates. And it is that these are absorbed more slowly, without causing hyperglycemia (the glycemic index of this cooked vegetable is higher and therefore its intake is not recommended so much).

In addition, it is a vegetable that improves blood circulation and eye health, two of the common problems in people with diabetes. On the other hand, the amount of fiber it contains is key to helping manage blood sugars, according to a study published in Nutrients .

Increase defenses

Again we have to talk about vitamin A and beta-carotenes, because they are what allow the immune system to function properly. In cases of colds and flu it is advisable to eat a carrot puree or salad.

A good amount of vitamin A translates into a healthy immune system because it helps to produce “defensive” cells and fight off the attack of viruses and bacteria.

Faced with infections or diseases of this type, do not hesitate to consume carrots. A study published in the journal Trends in Immunology supports this.

Nourishes the skin

Carrots absorb all the impurities that accumulate in the dermis. For this reason we can use them both in meals and in effective facial masks (for example, for acne).

Used externally, this vegetable is used in cases of burns caused by the sun or fire, wounds and eczema.

This vegetable, in turn, is useful to protect us from the effects caused by ultraviolet rays. Using a mask made with the pulp of a carrot for half an hour helps reduce wrinkles and gives the skin a more youthful appearance.

Invigorates the mind

This is due to its contribution of two nutrients related to brain health: phosphorus and potassium. Both regenerate nerves and counteract the effects of stress.

If you’ve been forgetting things lately or have noticed that your mind isn’t holding as much information as it used to, then feel free to eat more carrots.

Other benefits of carrots

As if all the above were not enough … There are still more properties of this delicious vegetable!

• Strengthens nails and hair.
• Protects the heart by helping to keep the arteries plaque-free.

• Eliminates fluid retention thanks to its diuretic capabilities.
• It takes care of the health of the teeth and gums, since it prevents bacteria from adhering.
• Stimulates the appetite (recommended in people with eating disorders).

Introduce the carrot in the usual diet

The carrot, as you have seen, is a vegetable with beneficial health properties. We are talking about a food with a high nutritional density. However, it is important to consume it in the context of a balanced diet to experience all the positive effects.