The regular feature in your salads and soups, carrots are a nutritional powerhouse that can boost your overall health in numerous ways.
Whether you prefer carrots raw, cooked, or juiced, consumption of this orange wonder surely uplift your health and well-being. In this article, we will reveal the myriad benefits of carrots and how regular consumption can create a significant difference in your life.
Consuming carrots of 100 grams provide 41 calories energy, 9.0 g carbohydrates, 2.7 g dietary fiber, 0.8 g Protein and very little fat. It also provides vitamins like biotin, and vitamins A (from beta carotene), K1 (phylloquinone), and B6.
There has been a debate about nutritional value of organic and traditional grown carrots. However, recent reports have mentioned that both the varieties contain almost similar quantities of essential nutrients.
See the Difference: We all know the age-old advice- "Eat your carrots. They are good for your eyes!" And guess what? They are! Carrots have beta-carotene, which human bodies convert to vitamin A, essential for healthy vision.
Carrot & Cardiovascular Health: Probably, there is no vegetable without improving heart health. Carrot is not an exception. Potassium found in carrot regulate blood pressure. Vitamin A and beta carotene reduces excess blood sugar.
Healthy Gut: Fibre-enriched carrot promotes smooth bowel movement. Patients suffering from constipation should consume at least one carrot everyday.
Crunch to Conquer: Abundance of vitamin C helps human body build strong immune system to prevent infections.
Weight Loss Wonder: Low calorie and high fiber makes carrot an ideal snack for people planning for weight loss.
Orange Armour: The antioxidants found in carrot have been proven to be effective against harmful free radicals promoting cancer.
Let's face it, chewing on raw carrot sticks becomes mundane after sometime. But, don't worry, veggie lovers! This orange root vegetable is versatile enough to be transformed into a symphony of delicious recipes.
Traditional Carrot Dishes: The most famous carrot dish must be Gajar ka Halwa. Apart from that, Gajar Achar (Carrot Pickle), Carrot Raita, Gajar ki Sabzi, Gajar-Matar Sabzi (Carrot and Peas), Carrot Chutney, Carrot Pulav (Gajar Rice) are other recipes prepared across India.
Spicy Carrot & Chickpea Curry: Tender carrots, chickpeas, and your curry spices simmer in a creamy coconut milk base can be served with rice for a protein-packed meal.
Roasted Carrot & Lentil Salad: A creamy tahini dressing with fresh herbs ties everything together for a refreshingly healthy salad, providing both textures and tastes.
(Credit - Insta/@kalejunkie)
Carrot & Coconut Soup: This velvety smooth soup is simply perfect for a cozy winter night. Roasted carrots are blended with fresh coconut milk, ginger, and a bit lime for an exciting balance of sweet and savoury flavours.
Apart from that, you can try carrots and sweet potato frittatas and carrot cake cookies for children. So, grab these vibrant sabzi and discover tasty and healthy recipes that go far beyond the humble stick.
Let me conclude this article with an exciting trivia. In ancient times, carrots were not orange in colour. They were purple or yellow. Farmers in Central Europe started growing orange carrots around the 15th or 16th century. Some other hues of carrot include red and white.
