Written by Alisa Rutherford-Fortunati
Carrots are devine… ~ Bugs Bunny
Carrots are more than a tasty addition to soups, salads and juices.
They’re also good for your body’s overall health, especially that of the skin, eyes, digestive system and teeth!
So if the sweet flavor isn’t enough, enjoy these 10 reasons to eat more carrots:
1. Beta carotene
Carrots are a rich source of this powerful antioxidant, which, among other vital uses, can be converted into vitamin A in the body to help maintain healthy skin.
2. Digestion
Carrots increase saliva and supply essential minerals, vitamins and enzymes that aid in digestion. Eating carrots regularly may help prevent gastric ulcers and other digestive disorders.
3. Alkaline elements
Carrots are rich in alkaline elements, which purify and revitalize the blood while balancing the acid/alkaline ratio of the body.
4. Potassium
Carrots are a good source of potassium, which can help maintain healthy sodium levels in the body, thereby helping to reduce elevated blood pressure levels.
5. Dental health
Carrots kill harmful germs in the mouth and help prevent tooth decay.
6. Wounds
Raw or grated carrots can be used to help heal wounds, cuts and inflammation.
7. Phytonutrients
Among the many beneficial phytochemicals that carrots contain is a phytonutrient called falcarinol, which may reduce the risk of colon cancer and help promote overall colon health.
8. Carotenoids
Carrots are rich in carotenoids, which our bodies can use to help regulate blood sugar.
9. Fiber
Carrots are high in soluble fiber, which may reduce cholesterol by binding the LDL form (the kind we don’t want) and increasing the HDL form (the kind our body needs) to help reduce blood clots and prevent heart disease.
10. Eyes, hair, nails and more!
The nutrients in carrots can improve the health of your eyes, skin, hair, nails and more through helping to detoxify your system and build new cells!
There are plenty more reasons to enjoy these crunchy, sweet root vegetables, so reserve a spot in your garden plot for planting some, or pop down to the local market to pick up a bunch!
Thanks to the Carrot Museum for these fabulous facts!
Bonus.
Listen to the latest Green Divas Foodie-Phile podcast…
You can listen to the latest Green Divas Radio Show—and other green and healthy podcasts—daily on GDGDRadio.com (or get the GDGD Radio app)!
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