Health benefits of carrots

A medium-size carrot has 25 calories, 6 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fiber. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, providing more than 200% of your daily requirement in just one carrot. They also provide 6% of vitamin C needs, 2% of calcium needs and 2% of iron needs per serving. The antioxidant beta-carotene that gives carrots their bright orange color. Beta-carotene is absorbed in the intestine and converted into vitamin A during digestion. Carrots also contain fiber, vitamin K, potassium, folate, manganese, phosphorous, magnesium, vitamin E and zinc. An overwhelming body of evidence exists suggesting that increased intake of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables reduce cancer and cardiovascular disease risks, carrots included. (1) Cancer: A variety of dietary carotenoids have been shown to have anti-cancer effects due to their antioxidant power in reducing free radicals in the body. (2) Lung Cancer: One study found that current smokers who did not consume carrots had three times the risk of developing lung cancer compared with those who ate carrots more than once a week. (3) Colorectal Cancer: Beta-carotene consumption has been shown to have an inverse association with the development of colon cancer in the Japanese population. (4) Leukemia: Carrot juice extract was shown to kill leukemia cells and inhibit their progression in a 2011 study. (5) Prostate Cancer: Among younger men, diets rich in beta-carotene may play a protective role against prostate cancer, according to a study. (6) Vision: Correcting vitamin A deficiencies with foods high in beta-carotene may restore vision, according to a study. The antioxidants and phytochemicals in carrots may also help with blood sugar regulation, delay the effects of aging, and improve immune function. ...

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