Carrot , Uses , Health , Nutrition
About Carrot
We have always had a piece of advice from our parents to eat carrots as they are good for us, this is probably because that is what their parents told them and they passed this on to us and might do the same with our kids. The whole reason behind eating carrots is because they are a source of good nutrition that benefits our health. Scientifically known as Daucus carota this veggie is a root vegetable that is native to European countries. It is believed that carrots were first introduced in Persia, where it all started from. The wild carrot was bitter in taste and had a woody texture after breeding it for multiple times the bitterness tends to reduce over time. Orange colour carrots are commonly seen or may the only colour we see in carrots is orange; it is lesser known to the world that wild carrots were purple in colour, some of them were even in shades of yellow. Netherlands was the place that first introduced orange carrots and it became popular worldwide. The Dutch were responsible to make carrots taste sweeter and turn their texture fleshy and edible when compared to the wild carrots.
Carrots Nutrition Facts
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- The water content can vary from around 86-95%, and the edible portion consists of around 10% carbohydrates.
- Carrots contain very little fat and protein.
- One medium, raw carrot (61 grams) contains 25 calories, with only 4 grams of digestible carbs.
Carrots Benefits
- Improves vision.
- Slows down aging.
- Protects the skin from sun damage.
- Prevents premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tone.
- Helps prevent infection.
- Protects teeth and gums.
- Carrots are rich in alkaline elements which purify and revitalize the blood.
- Improve the appearance of skin, hair, nails.
- Preventing gastric ulcers and digestive disorders.
- kill harmful germs in the mouth and Prevent Tooth Decay.
- Improve the quality of breast milk in mothers.
- Growth of healthy bones and teeth.
Interesting Facts
The First Carrots that were grown were purple in color! Orange carrots later originated from Holland. Carrots are also available in yellow and white colors.
Carrots Essential Nutrients
Carrots are very healthy and contain varied vitamins, carotene and other essential nutrients such as potassium, calcium, iron and zinc.
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 41 Kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 9.58 g | 7% |
| Protein | 0.93 g | 1.5% |
| Total Fat | 0.24 g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 7% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 19 µg | 5% |
| Niacin | 0.983 mg | 6% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.273 mg | 5.5% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.138 mg | 10% |
| Riboflavin | 0.058 mg | 4% |
| Thiamin | 0.066 mg | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 16706 IU | 557% |
| Vitamin C | 5.9 mg | 10% |
| Vitamin K | 13.2 µg | 11% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 69 mg | 4.5% |
| Potassium | 320 mg | 6.5% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 33 mg | 3% |
| Copper | 0.045 mg | 5% |
| Iron | 0.30 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 12 mg | 3% |
| Manganese | 0.143 mg | 6% |
| Phosphorus | 35 mg | 5% |
| Selenium | 0.1 µg | <1% |
| Zinc | 0.24 mg | 2% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Carotene-a | 3427 µg | — |
| Carotene-ß | 8285 µg | — |
| Crypto- xanthin-ß | 0 µg | — |
| Lutein- zeaxanthin | 256 µg | — |
Carrots
The ultimate food for good health is carrots, high source of nutrients and minerals they are rightly known as power house of energy. One serving of chopped carrots will provide 25 calories, 3 grams of sugar, 6 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of proteins. Carrots are rich in beta- carotene a phyto-nutrient that is derived from the plants; this helps in getting the orange colour of the carrots. Anti oxidants such as Vitamin c is found in abundance in carrots and helps the body to prevent cancer. It is justified in many studies and medical examinations conducted that carrot juice inhibits the growth of cancer cells and also prevents colon cancer. One of the most popular known health benefits is consuming carrots for good vision. People consuming carrots regularly are lesser prone to glaucoma as proven by medical research. Way to a good heart is a good diet rich in anti oxidant properties; carrots are known for their antioxidant property that aids in unclogging of the arteries thus promoting good cardiovascular functioning.
How To Enjoy Carrots
One vegetable and in numerous uses, one can eat carrots in every course of the meal. Carrots are usually added to fresh green salad as they are crunchy light and flavoursome.Soups made out of carrots are creamy and light and also helps in recovering from cold and flu. Grated carrots are used as a stuffing in rolls and wraps. Chinese people makes use of carrot widely in their food; adding them in noodles, rice or even pan fried curries they are present in all. One of the most sought after delicacy carrot cake is a dessert and is made largely out of carrots and cream.
Carrot
Children spend their childhood watching their favourite animated cartoon character Bugs bunny get energised on carrots thus creating a perception in their young minds that this vegetable gives you all the power.
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