Carrot: properties, health benefits and nutritional value

The carrot It is the vegetable with the most beta-carotene or provitamin A, which makes it a great ally for eyesight and for the health of the skin and mucous membranes.

But it also provides vitamins C and E, with an antioxidant effect, as well as vitamin B9 or folic acid: a 100-gram serving covers 110% of the vitamin A needed per day, 13% of C, 5% of E and 10% folic acid.

Carrot properties

Its energy value, very low, comes from carbohydrates (5.2%) since its protein and fat content is low.

It is rich in fiber (3.4%), minerals and trace elements (iron, potassium, iodine, magnesium, nickel, sulphur, zinc), malic acid, inositol, phytosterols and an essential oil that gives it its aroma and vermifuge effects. against intestinal parasites.

Nutritional value of carrot

carrot calories

How many calories does a carrot have? A medium carrot (about 60 g) provides only about 25 calories (105 kJ), so it is an ideal food to maintain weight.

Cutting some carrot sticks is a great option as a snack, since the caloric intake is very low. It should also be taken into account that the carrot practically does not provide fat (2 g per 100)and most of them are omega 6 fatty acids.

Carrot vitamins and minerals

By consuming 100 grams of carrots, remarkable amounts of the following vitamins and minerals are obtained:

Vitamin A: 16705 UIVitamin C: 5.6mgVitamin K: 13.2 mcgVitamin B1: 0.1mgVitamin B3: 1mgVitamin B6: 0.1 mcgVitamin B9 (folic acid): 19 mcgPotassium: 320mgCalcium: 33mg

Carrot Benefits

Carrot is a tonic and remineralizing food. It has alkalizing properties that favor a good acid-base balance in the body.

ally of sight

The carrot prevents cataracts and the retinal disease called “macular degeneration”. Carrot is also indicated in case of decreased visual acuity, especially crepuscular or nocturnal, and in case of photophobia (hypersensitivity to sunlight), conjunctivitis and inflammation of the eyelids.

Regulates digestive disorders

Many think that carrots cause constipation, but it is not true. actually the carrot It provides a considerable amount of fiber (2.8 grams per 100 g). The confusion exists because it has traditionally been used to treat diarrhea.

Although it seems contradictory, itThe carrot is useful both in case of diarrhea and constipation pertinacious.

It is known that in gastroenteritis it is advisable to follow a astringent diet based on rice with carrots, or even on water from boiling carrots.

Besides, against chronic constipation it is useful to take 250 ml of carrot juice to which 50 ml of spinach juice and a few drops of lemon are added, which helps to regulate and cleanse the intestinal tract. The effect is verified in one or two months.

However, the benefit of carrots is that it helps regulate the intestinal disorders, both in case of constipation and diarrhea or even flatulence. In addition, carrot helps against digestive disorders such as gastritis.

Helps lungs, liver, bones and skin

Carrot is also beneficial for bronchopulmonary affections chronicles in general.

Because it contains hypoglycemic substances, diabetics can take it. It is convenient in liver pathologies and helps lower cholesterol level.

It should also be noted that its calcium is very assimilable by the organism.

The grated juice or pulp acts as a balm. against acne and eczema, as well as in cases of ulcers or burns.

It has been shown to improve sun sensitivity in people who have trouble tanning or have allergic reactions. Its habitual consumption stimulates the production of melanin and protects from the harmful effects of the sun.

Regulates menstruation and breastfeeding

When there are irregularities in menstruation, it has an activating effect (emmenagogue) and It also favors breastfeeding.

For defenses, asthenia and anemia

It is recommended in the face of a decrease in defenses or in the face of recurrent infectious diseases and also in situations of asthenia.

Due to its iron and copper content, which favors red blood cell formation It is indicated in case of anemia and also to prevent arteriosclerosis, heart attack and other heart diseases.

Helps prevent cancer

The antimutagenic and antitumor properties of beta-carotene and other carrot phytochemicals, such as coumarins, quercetin or terpenes, have been shown to be effective in preventing cancer, especially of the bladder, larynx, esophagus, stomach, colon-rectal and prostate.

carrot in the kitchen

The carrot is a vegetable that can be found all year on the market, but the most tender and sweet specimens are collected at the end of spring (from may to june).

A intense orange color points out great content in beta carotenewhile the green spots at the end of the root indicate that it has been exposed to the sun and, therefore, will have a bitter and harsh taste.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, one must boil them slightly to improve their intestinal absorption.

Beta-carotene is not destroyed by cooking. On the contrary, the organism assimilates it better.

Smoothies are consumed in greater quantity but raw result more nutritious.

Purchase and conservation

The specimens must be firm, bright in color and rather small in size, since they tend to be sweeter.

On the contrary, the green leaves at the top are an indication that the root is fresh. Wrinkled and sprouting carrots should be discarded.

Before storing them, it is advisable to remove the remains of earth with a brush, but never wash them with water until the moment of consumption.

Should be store in a cool place and above all airybut if possible never next to potatoes or apples, because the ethylene gas that they produce accelerates their deterioration and reduces their sweetness.

If they have been purchased with leaves, must be removed to prevent absorb moisture from the roots and this dry out

They can be kept in the fridge for one to two weeks. in good condition, but if they are to be stored for longer they can be frozen, previously scalded with boiling water and salt.