Carrots – they are something that most of us eat every single day but do you know what good these little beauties are doing for you on the inside (and out)?
In this article, we will look at the health and beauty benefits of the humble carrot, and we have also added in a great juice recipe at the end with lots of carrots in it so you can start reaping the benefits of a juice fast right away!
Reduced Risk of Cancer
Carrots contain both falcarinol and falcarindiol which are two cancer-fighting compounds.
Carrots are one of the only common foods that are found to contain the compound falcarinol and studies have suggested that cancer risk can be cut by a third by eating carrots every day.
Healthy Eyes and Vision
It’s no myth that carrots can help you to see better in the dark.
The vitamin A in carrots is transformed in the eye’s retina to rhodopsin, which is a pigment required to allow you to see in the dark.
Carrots also contain high levels of beta-carotene and this is what the liver converts to vitamin A to make the rhodopsin.
Beta-carotene is also known to help reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts as we age.
Stay Younger for Longer
Carrots have anti-ageing properties in the form of beta-carotene, which is a form of antioxidant that fights free radicals, thus reducing the signs of ageing.
Beauty
We all know that true beauty starts from inside, and this is certainly the case with carrots.
Eating a regular dose of carrots (preferably raw) helps to protect the skin from damage from the sun thanks to the vitamin A and antioxidant content.
Vitamin A is very important for healthy young skin, and it can help to protect against acne, wrinkles and dry skin.
Healthy Heart
The carotenoids found in carrots are found in many studies to lower the risk of many heart problems including heart disease.
Eating lots of carrots can help to reduce bad cholesterol levels too, which of course puts less strain on the heart.
Infection Fighting
Herbal experts often use carrot as an antiseptic to fight infection, with boiled and mashed carrot in many cultures being applied to open wounds and cuts to prevent the wound from becoming infected.
Cleansing and Detox
Carrots are great for a detox because the vitamin A helps to flush toxins out of the body and also reduces fat and bile in the liver.
The fibre content also helps to keep the bowels moving thus aiding the flushing of toxins.
CARROT JUICE RECIPE
This yummy carrot juice is a wonderful energy booster.
Simply take 6 spinach leaves, 3 unpeeled carrots, a quartered and cored apple and a medium peeled beetroot and juice in your juicer.
Add ice and drink!
