Growing up, we were often told to eat our carrots as they were good for our eyesight. What we didn’t realise was that this vegetable that can be enjoyed cooked and uncooked carries a lot of more nutritional benefits.
Carrots can be found in colours orange, yellow, purple and a few more. Depending on how you want to enjoy them, this nutritional goodness can be eaten raw on its own, turned into a smoothy or turned/added into a salad. Below, we’ve selected five of the many nutritional benefits of carrots as supplied by WebMD.
They’re good for your eyes. This is probably the best-known carrot superpower. They’re rich in beta-carotene, a compound your body changes into vitamin A, which helps keep your eyes healthy. And beta-carotene helps protect your eyes from the sun and lowers your chances of cataracts and other eye problems. Yellow carrots have lutein, which is also good for your eyes. Studies have found that it can help with or prevent age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S.
They can help with constipation. If you’re having trouble going to the bathroom, try munching on some raw carrots. With their high fiber content, they can help ease constipation and keep you regular.
They boost your immune system. The vitamin C in carrots helps your body build antibodies that defend your immune system. Vitamin C also helps your body take in and use iron and prevent infections.
They can strengthen your bones. Carrots have calcium and vitamin K, both of which are important for bone health.
They can help control diabetes. People with diabetes are advised to load up on non-starchy vegetables, including carrots. The fiber in carrots can help keep blood sugar levels under control. And they’re loaded with vitamin A and beta-carotene, which there’s evidence to suggest can lower your diabetes risk.
Also see: Incredible benefits of papaya
