Carrots are known as the vegetable that is easy to grow, tasty and high nutrition. Carrot plants can grow in almost all seasons. There are more than 100 species of carrots ranging from not only in colours but also its size from as small as two inches to three feet. There are various health benefits of carrot and they are beneficial in a range of diseases and deficiencies.
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the liver. Vitamin A is transformed in the retina, to rhodopsin, a purple pigment necessary for night vision. Beta-carotene has also been shown to protect against macular degeneration and senile cataracts. Vitamin A and antioxidants protects the skin from sun damage. Deficiencies of vitamin A cause dryness to the skin, hair and nails. Vitamin A prevents premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tone. Studies have shown carrots reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. Researchers have just discovered falcarinol and falcarindiol which they feel cause the anticancer properties.
Blood sugar and its circulation in the body are deeply benefited by the consumption of carrots, as the vegetable is full of carotenoids. Eating carrots regularly ensures that the digestive system remains in good shape and disorders or gastric ulcers are prevented.
Carrots are also superb antiseptics. They can be used to cure wounds and cuts. Boiled and mashed, or simply finely shredded in raw form, carrots can be applied on the affected areas to treat them naturally. Studies show that diets high in carotenoids are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Carrots have not only beta-carotene but also alpha-carotene and lutein. Regular consumption of carrots also reduces cholesterol levels because the soluble fibres in carrots bind with bile acids. Carrots clean teeth and mouth. They scrape off plaque and food particles just like toothbrushes or toothpaste. 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.
The high level of beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant to cell damage done to the body through regular metabolism. It helps slow down the aging of cells. Another use of carrots comes in the form of using them for the treatment of worms, especially in children. It is also found to be beneficial because it enhances the quality of breast milk. Carrot is often recommended to be eaten during the menstrual cycle because it helps increase the menstrual flow.