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Carrots are a vegetable whose healing properties and nutritional values ​​are determined by vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Among the latter, one of the most important is beta-carotene, which not only enhances tan, but also ensures the proper functioning of the eyesight, strengthens immunity and can protect against the development of cancer. Check what other effects carrots have.

Carrotis a vegetable whosepropertiesandnutritional values ​​ were already appreciated in ancient China. However, at that time the white variety was the most famous. Orange carrots were not bred by the Dutch until the 17th century. It is she who enjoys the greatest popularity to this day, despite the fact that yellow, red, and even dark purple and black specimens are also available on the market. The orange variety of carrots is especially liked by lovers of sunbathing, who believe that regularly reaching for this colorful vegetable allows you to extend your tan. However, carrots should also be appreciated by people who have problems, e.g. heart, with eyesight and skin.

Carrots are the treasury of beta-carotene

Carrots are a rich source of carotenoids - compounds that are also the dyes responsible for the orange color of carrots and antioxidants. You can find all types of carotenoids in carrots - alpha-carotene (0.53-4.96 mg / 100 g), lutein and zeaxanthin (0.30-0.51 mg / 100 g) and small amounts of lycopene (0.015 mg / 100 g). g). However, it contains the most beta-carotene (6.15-9.02 mg / 100 g) - provitamin A, from which vitamin A is produced in the human body. It is worth knowing that carrots are one of the richest sources of beta-carotene. It can be found ( although not in such amounts) in spinach (3.25-5.60 mg / 100 g) and kale (2.84-43.80 mg / 100 g) - in which beta-carotene is masked by chlorophyll - as well as in pumpkin (2.974 mg / 100 g) and red pepper (2.38-3.25 mg / 100 g).

Carrots for sunbathing and more

Beta-carotene ensures the proper functioning of eyesight, strengthens immunity, and also supports the treatment of acne and delays the appearance of wrinkles. However, it is best known for accelerating tanning and prolonging the effects of sunbathing. It is widely believed that you should drink 2 dailyglasses of carrot juice to enjoy the sun-kissed skin. However, do not overdo it, because then you will not achieve a beautiful tan, but the skin will acquire a carrot color over time (so-called carotenosis or carotenemia). Besides, excessive consumption of beta-carotene means that the body overproduces vitamin A, which is not good for your he alth. Vitamin A in excessive amounts is toxic and can lead to liver enlargement, over-excitability, skin diseases and eye disorders.

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Nutritional value of carrots (in 100 g)Energy value - 41 kcal Total protein - 0.93 g Fat - 0.24 g Carbohydrates - 9.58 g (including simple sugars 4.74) Fiber - 2.8 g VitaminsVitamin C - 5.9 mg Thiamine - 0.066 mg Riboflavin - 0.058 mg Niacin - 0.983 mg Vitamin B6 - 0.138 mg Folic acid - 19 µg Vitamin E - 0.66 mg Vitamin K - 13.2 µgMineralsCalcium - 33 mg Iron - 0.30 mg Magnesium - 12 mg Phosphorus - 35 mg Potassium - 320 mg Sodium - 69 mg Zinc - 0.24 mg Data source: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference

Carrots - anti-cancer properties

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant, which means it can prevent the development of cancer. It has been proven that it can lower the incidence of cancers such as cancer of the mouth, larynx, esophagus and bladder.

Scientists from the University of York argue that carrots can also reduce the likelihood of prostate cancer. All thanks to the content of another compound with anti-cancer properties - retinoic acid, which is a metabolite of vitamin A.

Another substance in carrots that may protect against the development of cancer is falkarinol, scientists from Newcastle University have concluded. According to their research, falkarinol reduces the risk of developing cancer by up to 33%. It's worth knowing that falkarinol can also be found in celery, parsley and other vegetables.

Important

Boil the carrots whole!

When British scientists examined the content of falkarinol in carrots that had been cut before cooking, they found it contained about 25 percent. less of this beneficial ingredient than cooked whole carrots. When the carrot is cut, the surface exposed to high temperatures increases and the vegetable loses more nutrients during cooking. If we cook it whole, we will contain not only the nutrients, but also the taste - says Dr. Kirsten Brandt from the University of Newcastle.

Carrots for atherosclerosis

Pectin contained in carrots lower blood cholesterol and act against itatherosclerosis. Therefore, modern phytotherapy recommends using carrot as an auxiliary in the onset of atherosclerosis. In turn, carrot fruit extracts are administered orally in light, chronic conditions of coronary artery disease. However, in severe cases only as an auxiliary and supportive medicine. Carrot fruits, containing a flavonoid complex, have an antispasmodic effect on the coronary vessels of the heart 2.5 times more than theobromine (a substance used to treat coronary artery disease) and increase blood flow to the heart muscle.

Carrots in digestive disorders in babies

Fresh carrot roots and the resulting juice contain specific sulfur compounds called bifidus factors. They stimulate the growth ofBifidobacterium bifidum(syn.Lactobacillus bifidus)and fight digestive disorders in children. For this reason, in natural medicine, pulp from fresh roots or squeezed carrot juice is given to infants with digestive disorders, especially when they are not fed mother's milk. Carrot juice - as a vitamin and digestive aid - is recommended to be administered orally to infants in the amount of 20-40 g per day (however, it must be divided into 2 or 3 portions). Young children can be given 40-60 g of juice a day, divided into 2 or 3 servings.

Important

Give the children only carrots from crops without fertilizers!

When administering carrot extracts to infants and young children, and even adults, it is important that the carrots come from allotment gardens, home gardens or from crops where mineral fertilizers, especially nitrogen fertilizers, were not used, because carrots are grown for these fertilizers can cause symptoms of intolerance, and even dangerous poisoning.

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Carrots in a diabetic's diet. Yes, but only raw

Raw carrots have a low glycemic index (IG=30), but the more they are overcooked, the more their value increases. The GI of cooked carrots can be as high as 90. Therefore, people with type 2 diabetes can only eat carrots that have not been heat-treated.

Carrots increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes?

Genetic factors play an important role in the development of type 1 diabetesautoimmune. Scientists from Finland argue that eating is also one of them. In their opinion, the early (before 4 months of age) introduction of carrots, potatoes (or other root vegetables) into the diet of children with a genetic predisposition to type I diabetes may contribute to the development of this disease. The research was conducted on a group of over 6,000 such children, and their he alth was monitored from birth. Mothers wrote down when and what products they introduced into their children's diets, and scientists took blood samples every few months to test the presence of antibodies to the pancreatic islets. In 265 children, the presence of at least two types of these antibodies or full-blown type 1 diabetes was found. The analysis showed that introducing root vegetables into the child's diet before 4 months of age increased by over 70%. the risk of developing an autoimmune process towards the pancreas or developing type 1 diabetes. This relationship was independent of other food products.

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Carrots white, yellow, red, purple, black

There are also white, yellow, red, fillet and black varieties of carrots on the market. The last two varieties contain anthocyanins - plant pigments and at the same time compounds with strong antioxidant properties. Their high content in these varieties of carrots has a positive effect on the he alth-promoting properties of this vegetable. Red carrot is also unique, its color is due to the content of lycopene (this compound is also responsible for the color of tomatoes). The yellow variety, on the other hand, contains beta-carotene, although not as much as the orange variety. In contrast, white carrots, whose properties were so appreciated in ancient China, contain all the nutrients found in traditional carrots except beta-carotene.

Carrots with avitaminosis, malnutrition and anemia

Carrots contain not only beta-carotene, but also other vitamins and mineral elements, thanks to which it is used in vitamin A deficiency, i.e. vitamin A deficiency. This condition is manifested by very dry skin on the elbows and knees, as well as on the shoulders and thighs (dryness persists after applying cream or lotion), amblyopia at dusk and at night, and dry eyeball.

In addition, carrots can be given to young children and adolescents in cases of malnutrition, anemia and skin inflammations.

Carrots for pinworms and other parasites

In natural medicine the anthelmintic effect of carrots is also known, which is why the pulp of this vegetable is used as an auxiliary against pinworms and leaveshuman.

Carrots for the elderly

Elderly people are given carrots as a dietary supplement to improve intestinal peristalsis and increase immunity.

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Carrots - use in the kitchen

Carrots are not only a proven ingredient in soups, salads and salads. You can also prepare desserts based on carrots. Carrot cake is very popular in Switzerland.

TRY THE RECIPE FOR>>Carrot Cake with Linseed Oil

In the United States, on the other hand, a carrot cake is baked, which tastes like something between gingerbread and nut cake. In Portugal, the national product is carrot jam, which makes carrots a fruit.

TRY THE RECIPE FOR>>Hanukkah carrot-onion fritters

Bibliography:

1. Ożarowski A., Jaroniewski W.,Medicinal plants and their practical application , Publishing Institute of Trade Unions, Warsaw 19872. Gryszczyńska A., Gryszczyńska B., Opala B.,Carotenoids. Natural sources, biosynthesis, impact on the human body , "Postępy Phytoterapii" 2011, No. 23.Whole cooked carrots are he althier , PAP Press Center, [accessed 3 November 2015 ]. Available on the Internet: http://naukawpolsce.pap.pl/aktualnosci/news,362776,marchewka-gotowana-w-calosci-jest-zdrowsza.html4. Potatoes and carrots may contribute to type 1 diabetes , PAP Press Center, [accessed November 3, 2015]. Available on the Internet: http://naukawpolsce.pap.pl/aktualnosci/news,376028,ziemniaki-i-marchew-moga-sie-przyczyniac-sie-do-cukrzycy-typu-1.html

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