5 Reasons To Add Carrots To Your Winter Diet

Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, vitamin K1, antioxidants, and fibre. The root vegetable has been linked to several health benefits including better eye health, reduced cholesterol, stronger hair, and even lower risk of cancer. The vegetable is available in orange, purple, and red colours. Orange carrots obtain its colour from beta-carotene, an essential antioxidant and later converts it into vitamin A.

Nutritional Value of Carrot

The vegetable contains approximately 85% to 95% water content while the edible part includes 10% carbohydrates. It has negligible amount of fat and protein. If you consume 100 grams of carrots in a day, you can expect to receive 41 calories, 89% water, 0.8 grams of protein, 9 grams of carbs, 2.7 grams of fibre, and 0.1 gram of fat.

Health benefits of adding carrot to your winter diet

Essential Minerals & Vitamins: It offers various minerals and vitamins. It is a rich source of biotin, potassium, vitamin A, Vitamin K1, vitamin B6. The vegetable contains beta-carotene that the body converts into vitamin A. It helps in improving the eye-sight and vital for development, growth, and boosting immunity. The presence of biotin can play a key role in fat and protein metabolism. Meanwhile, vitamin K1 in carrot is significant for blood coagulation and improves bone health. The presence of potassium in the vegetable is crucial for blood pressure regulation. Vitamin B6 plays the role of converting food into energy.  

Reduced Cancer Risk: Carrot rich diet helps in preventing various types of cancer such as prostrate, colon, and stomach, according to a report featured in healthline. Females with high circulating levels of carotenoids will develop lesser risk of breast cancer. Carotenoids can also protect against lung cancer.  

Decreases Blood Cholesterol: High blood cholesterol is linked to heart diseases. Regular intake of carrots can play key role in reducing cholesterol levels.

Supports Weight Loss: As carrot is a low-calorie vegetable it can promote fullness and reduce calorie consumption in succeeding meals.  

Improves Eye Health: The presence of an important antioxidant lutein found in orange carrots is important in improving eye health. It is worth noting that people suffering from deficiency of vitamin A develop chances of night blindness. However, the condition can be reduced by adding a carrot rich diet to your lifestyle as it is a good source of vitamin A or carotenoids.

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.