The nutrient contents of carrots include Vitamin A, K, C, dietary fiber, potassium,Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Manganese, Molybdenum, Vitamin B1 (thiamin), Vitamin B3 (niacine), Phosphorus, magnesium and folate. A medium sized carrot is believed to have 52 calories.
This root crop has a thick, fleshy, deeply colored root, which grows underground, and feathery green leaves that emerge above ground. It belongs to the Umbelliferae family along with parsnips, fennel caraway, cumin and dill which all have the umbrella-like flower clusters that characterize this family of plants. Its scientific name is Daucus carota.
Overconsumption of carotene-rich foods may lead to the yellowing of the palms or other skin parts. This condition is called carotoderma which is also related to carotenemia, excessive levels of carotene in the blood. When we eat carotene rich foods, the body slowly converts it to Vitamin A. If there is an excess of carotene in our body, it is usually stored in the palms, soles and behind the ears. In order to remedy this condition, lessening of carrots intake will usually disappear the condition.
Studies on the relationship of carotenoids and heart disease demonstrated that high-carotenoid diets are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. In a study conducted at 1,300 elderly persons in Massachusetts, those who had at least one serving of carrots and/or squash each day had a 60% reduction in their risk of heart attacks compared to those who ate less than one serving of these carotenoid-rich foods per day. Beta-carotene in carrots also helps protect night vision. After beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the liver, it travels to the retina where it is transformed into rhodopsin, a purple pigment that is necessary for night-vision. Macular degeneration and the development of senile cataracts which is known as the leading cause of blindness in the elderly is also protected by beta-carotene's powerful antioxidant.
A. High carotenoid intake has been linked with a 20% decrease in postmenopausal breast cancer and an up to 50% decrease in the incidence of cancers of the bladder, cervix, prostate, colon, larynx, and esophagus. Extensive human studies suggest that a diet including as little as one carrot per day could conceivably cut the rate of lung cancer in half. Intake of foods such as carrots that are rich in carotenoids may be beneficial to blood sugar regulation. Research has suggested that physiological levels, as well as dietary intake, of carotenoids may be inversely associated with insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels.
In a study conducted at Kansas State University, it was demonstrated that if you are a smoker or is exposed to secondhand smoke, a common carcinogen in cigarette smoke, benzo(a)pyrene, induces a deficiency in Vitamin A. This implies that if you include carrot as part of your daily diet, it may save your life and help protect your lungs.
Carrot is also valuable for beautifulskin, hair and healthy eyes. Dry skin, blemishes and dermatitis are often helped by drinking carrot juice.
