Crunchy and highly nutritious, carrots come in a range of colors, from traditional orange, to deep purple, bright yellow, white, and red. This root vegetable is extremely versatile and affordable, making it one of the easiest vegetables to incorporate into a well-balanced diet. To learn more about the health benefits of carrots and learn how to add this colorful veggie to your next meal, read on!
Top Health Benefits Of Carrots
May Improve Eye Health and Support Immune Health
Carrots contain beta carotene, which our bodies convert into vitamin A. This vitamin promotes good vision, protects your eyes from harmful UV rays, and lowers your chances of cataracts. Plus, Vitamin A also supports immune function, growth, and development. 1
Works As An Antioxidant
In addition to beta carotene, carrots contain other carotenoids, or plant compounds, that act as antioxidants. Research has linked carotenoids with improved immune function and reduced risk of developing illnesses like heart disease.2 Additional studies have shown that bioactive compounds in this root vegetable may also help protect against leukemia and other cancers.3,4
Improve Gut Health
Carrots contain pectin, which is a form of soluble fiber.5 Soluble fiber helps support regular bowel movements and reduces constipation.6 In addition, this type of fiber feeds the good bacteria in your gut, which can further improve your health.7,8 Eating soluble fiber found in carrots may also improve how your body absorbs cholesterol, which can lower your blood cholesterol levels.9,10
Heart Healthy Carrot Recipes
Carrots add a fun dash of color to any dish, and this versatile root vegetable can be prepared in countless ways. For a quick snack, eat them raw or chop them up as a salad topper. For the perfect paring to any dish, try roasted carrots. From honey roasted carrots to Moroccan spiced carrots, you can season this vegetable and serve it up with just about any meal. And dessert lovers rejoice - you can indulge in delicious carrot cupcakes while sneaking in a serving of vegetables!
For more healthy recipes, download our Quick Heart Healthy Cookbook.
*A health-promoting diet focuses on a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats from nuts and plant oils. Limit intake of both saturated fat and added sugars to less than 10% of your daily calories, and sodium to less than 2,300 mg per day. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice, but your calorie and other nutrient needs may vary. For dietary guidance specific to you, consult a healthcare provider.
References
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3142734/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3550877/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22263789/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21864090/
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814603005314
6. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-in-soluble-fiber
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20920376/
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22710413/
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14569406/
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/474479/
