Carrots Are Winning Hearts and Eyes |
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By: T. J. Paul Posted: 2010-03-25 08:08:03 |
| Carrots are filled with beta carotene, otherwise known as pro vitamin A, antioxidants, vitamin C, phytonutrients, niacin, potassium, calcium, and fiber. One cup of carrots provides more than 20,000 IUs of vitamin A in the form of beta carotene, which is not toxic since your body needs to convert it to true vitamin A.Carrots being good for the eyes is not simply some old wives tale. Carrots are good for the eyes because they provide plenty of vitamin A, and the retinas use a version of vitamin A called retinal. Vitamin A is involved in the production of white blood cells which fight infections and cell growth and division is also supported by this vitamin. Vitamin C is useful for a strong immune system. Niacin lowers cholesterol and blood triglycerides, aids the metabolism of sugar, and lowers the number of allergic reactions. Potassium and calcium are used in many bodily functions such as muscle health and strong bones, and are crucial in blood pressure regulation.Carotenoids are a group of vitamin A related substances, mainly made up by carotene, lutein, astaxanthin, and zeaxanthin. They are associated with a lower risk of some cancers, including cervical cancer. Falcarinol is a phytochemical found in carrots which has been shown to prevent cancers in lab rats. High levels of carotenoids in the diet are also paired with a lower risk of getting diabetes.Carrots are not only full of vitamins and minerals, but they provide a lot of fiber as well, which promotes a healthy digestive system and colon. They are also crispy so this tends to satisfy the need to eat something crunchy as when on a diet.Carrots should be firm and hard to the touch. If they are soft and rubbery then they are not worth buying or using. Fresh carrots are the best, and organic ones have a sweeter flavor, especially when juiced. Carrot juice from organic carrots is a sweet and refreshing as any fruit juice. Beware though of how much you drink as it is high in sugar and obviously lacking much of the fiber found in the whole carrot. Baby carrots are usually just regular carrots peeled and cut into small pieces for convenience of eating. It may suit you to buy these as a healthy convenience snack, but you can always just save the money by peeling and bagging them yourself at home.Carrots are a healthy and convenient snack food straight from nature. It's about time that more people realized what the rabbits have known forever. |
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