Beta Carotene – Vitamin A
Carrots are a goldmine of nutrients and it is a vegetable that if consumed daily, can have a world of difference on health. Carrots contain an astounding 490 phytochemicals, all of which help the body to function better. Phytochemicals are natural bioactive plant substances found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts, that provides benefits to human health. Phytochemicals were basically unknown until a couple of years ago, and some are now being hailed as being as important as vitamins. These along with all of the other nutrients found in carrots, make them essential to the diet.
The three most important nutrients in carrots that provide most of the health benefits are beta carotene, vitamin A, and alpha carotene. Beta carotene is a part of the cartenoid family, which are highly pigmented (orange, red and yellow) fat soluble compounds naturally found within fruits, vegetables and certain oils. When people mention carrots, often times, beta carotene comes up as one of the ingredients found in the carrot. Beta carotene is what makes the carrot orange and it is converted by the liver into vitamin A. Beta carotene is best known for its role as an antioxidant; binding chemically to other molecules that do damage within the body, rendering them harmless and non-damaging.
Vitamin A is the most well known vitamin found within carrots. Just one cup alone gives you 686% of your daily need for vitamin A. The carrot has the greatest quantity of vitamin A next to liver. One of greatest benefits of eating carrots is improvement in eyesight. The prevention of night blindness and refocusing after seeing bright light is a benefit that vitamin A provides to the body. It also is critical in its role as an antioxidant, preventing cancer and other degenerative diseases. The risk of heart disease and high blood pressure is also greatly reduced with an infusion of vitamin A into the diet. Vitamin A promotes growth of bones and teeth, the maintenance of healthy body tissues, and the maintenance of normal glandular functions. It aids in the resistance to infections. Vitamin A is especially necessary in the diet of expectant mothers to build up and maintain the health of both mother and the developing child. Mothers consuming carrots after a pregnancy adds quality to breast milk and provides all of these benefits above due to vitamin A being in high concentration in breast milk.
Not only is vitamin A found in carrots but there are many other vitamins and minerals that are found in carrots that provide many benefits to the body. This chart above shows the nutrients found in them and the quantity compared to our daily bodily need.
Due to these nutrients, more and more benefits of carrots are being rediscovered everyday. Below is a list of some of the most powerful benefits of drinking carrot juice:
1. Helps to cleanse the liver
2. Boost the immune system
3. Fights bronchitis
4. Fights infections keeping cell membranes healthy
5. Heals minor wounds
6. Improves muscle, flesh and skin health
7. Stabilizes blood sugar, helping to eliminate the risk of diabetes
8. One pint of carrot juice per day has more constructive value and benefits than 25 pounds of calcium tablets taken together.
9. Enhances the quality of mother’s milk while nursing
10. Increases vigor and vitality in the body, especially with regards to sexual impotency
11. Maintain and improves bone structure of the teeth
12. Is one of the best remedies for teenage acne Reap the benefits of the power vegetable today!!
