Raw carrots, benefits and harms of the product, healthy recipes

Composition, calorie content and nutritional value

Carrots are famous for containing many carotenoids. It is these substances that help our body resist diabetes, atherosclerosis and malignant tumors.

In addition, carrots contain:

• beta-carotene (provitamin a) – protects the body from free radicals;
• phosphorus – improves brain function;
• calcium – strengthens bones;
• potassium – reduces the risk of osteoporosis;
• magnesium – promotes good functioning of the heart muscle;
• iron – provides blood cells with oxygen.

It is believed that beta-carotene is most abundant in purple and orange carrots.

The root vegetable owes its special orange hue to lycopene, a substance considered a powerful antioxidant.

The purple vegetable contains a lot of lutein, anthocyanins and alpha-carotene, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties.

In addition, the vegetable contains:

• B vitamins – counteract anemia and lower blood sugar levels;
• vitamin C – strengthens the body’s immune system;
• Vitamin K – improves blood clotting.

Carrot leaves are known to be a rich source of folic acid. Therefore, I recommend that you do not throw away the tops - they can be dried and also used as a healthy addition to various dishes.

100 grams of orange root vegetable contain:

• about 4.5 grams of carbohydrates;
• 1 gram of protein;
• 3.6 grams fiber;
• only 0.2 grams of fat.

100 grams of raw carrots contain only 35 kcal, which is about 1% of the daily value established for an adult.

The amount of healing substances depends on the variety, size and method of storing carrots.

What happens if you eat carrots every day? The benefits and harms of vegetables. Experts' opinion

Did you know that such an ordinary and common vegetable as carrots is a unique product? In addition to the property “for visual acuity”, known to everyone since childhood, carrots are a rich source of valuable vitamins and other substances that regulate the functioning of the internal systems of the body. This makes it useful in the treatment of diseases of the liver, cardiovascular system, kidneys, stomach, as well as loss of strength (chronic fatigue syndrome) and impaired potency. The orange root vegetable is actively used not only in the food industry, but also in medicine. Experts from the International Festival of Healthy Lifestyle and Sports SN PRO EXPO FORUM tell us more about it: Vladimir Nekrasov

- a doctor of the highest category in the field of laboratory diagnostics, as well as
Alisa Baltsevich
- head of the AGreen Altai Agroecological Company.

What is valuable in carrots?

Carrots are one of the common food products that can be found as part of dishes on the dinner table of any family. At the same time, the root vegetable is a source of valuable nutrients.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Carrots contain the following components:

• Carotene
  - once in the body, it is transformed into vitamin A, supports the normal functioning of epithelial cells, normalizes reproductive functions and vision.

The red color of carrots depends on the presence of beta-carotene in it: the more of it, the brighter and healthier the carrots are. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A and has powerful antioxidant, adaptogenic and immunostimulating properties.

• Biotin
  is one of the most important vitamins for growth, incl. to ensure cell growth and renewal. Participates in vital processes in the body: metabolism of amino acids and proteins.
• Pantothenic and folic acids
  have antianemic and antidermatitis properties.
• Vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, E, K and PP
  are involved in the regulation of many processes in the body.
• Phytoncides
  are natural antibiotics that suppress the growth and development of pathogenic bacteria.
• Essential oils
  have antioxidant and antitumor activity.
• Minerals: potassium, magnesium, zinc, calcium and iodine
  are vital components for the normal functioning of the body. They are not synthesized by the body itself and come only with food.

And this is not a complete list of valuable substances.

Photo: istockphoto.com

It is also worth mentioning that carrots contain flavonoids.

One of the important flavonoids isolated from carrots, daucarin, is prescribed for chronic coronary insufficiency, atherosclerosis and angina. Only plants can produce these substances; they do not accumulate in the body, so they must be consumed in food daily.

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How does consuming carrots affect the human body?

This vegetable prevents the formation of tartar and helps strengthen the gums, prevents the development of malignant processes, increases the body's protective functions, stimulates the immune system, helps eliminate intestinal dysbiosis, lowers blood pressure, prevents the leaching of calcium from bones, and is useful for the prevention of anemia.

Carrots have a diuretic and laxative effect. This is one of the reasons why it is recommended to use it for chronic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. In modern dietetics, the vegetable is especially valued for its nutritional properties, low calorie content and fiber content, which promotes digestion and normalizes metabolism. Fiber promotes timely bowel movements and is recommended for people suffering from frequent constipation.

Photo: istockphoto.com

How are carrots good for men?

Eating carrots has a positive effect on the male reproductive system. It lowers blood sugar levels, which restores the function of the endocrine system. Additionally, the elimination of bad cholesterol is accelerated. Exceeding its permissible value is fraught with poor patency of blood vessels in the pelvic area, which causes problems with potency.

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Common myths about carrots and their properties

There are many myths regarding the benefits of carrots for humans. So, the most common among them:

• Carrots contain a lot of sugar, so they are unhealthy.
  In fact, this substance is present in the vegetable in moderate quantities. In addition, its other components, on the contrary, help reduce blood sugar.
• Large carrots are healthier.
  On the contrary, the larger the root crop, the higher the likelihood that a high dose of nitrates was used during its cultivation.
• The root vegetable is equally beneficial for all people.
  In fact, patients with intestinal ulcers, diarrhea and acute inflammatory processes of the gastrointestinal tract should avoid using it.

Photo: istockphoto.com

We should also not forget that carrots can be a potential allergen (due to the proteins they contain). Allergies can manifest themselves in the form of disorders of the digestive and respiratory systems, skin reactions (dermatitis, itching).

Features of preparation, selection and storage of carrots

Carrot fruits are used in the preparation of first and second courses, side dishes and desserts. It acts as an aromatic spice that enhances the taste of the other ingredients. When choosing a vegetable, you should follow some recommendations:

• A high-quality vegetable has a smooth surface and a bright color;
• the root crop must be firm, without obvious damage;
• In a good product, the area between the tops and the fruit is characterized by a bright green color.

It is recommended to store fresh vegetables in the refrigerator or other cool place at a temperature of 0 to -5 degrees. In this form, it retains its freshness for several months.

Photo: istockphoto.com

What happens if you eat carrots every day?

Scientific researchers at the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research have proven that carrots reduce the risk of heart attack by a third. Scottish scientists confirmed the hypothesis that the root vegetable reduces cholesterol levels in the body by an average of 11% if consumed 200 g of it raw for three weeks.

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The vegetable reduces the likelihood of developing lung cancer by 40%, as it contains beta-carotene. It is enough to receive it in an amount of 1.7 to 2.7 mg per day to achieve this result. British scientists came to this conclusion.

It is important to remember that everything needs moderation and you should not get carried away with eating carrots in large quantities. When eating, it is important to combine vegetables with fats, since the carotenoids contained are fat-soluble and are absorbed only in the presence of fats (vegetable oils, sour cream).

Beneficial features

As I said, carrots are very high in beta-carotene, which helps the body produce vitamin A, which allows us to be more resilient. It also improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, reduces the risk of anemia and improves skin condition.

In addition, the medicinal properties of orange vegetables include:

• treatment of inflammation and minor wounds;
• antiseptic effect;
• pain relief assistance;
• Vitamin K promotes faster blood clotting;
• vitamin C strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis;
• potassium and magnesium improve muscle function, normalize blood pressure, and help improve the functioning of the nervous system;
• calcium and manganese strengthen bone tissue.

If you regularly eat this orange root vegetable, you can achieve lower cholesterol levels, which means you can resist possible heart disease and strokes.

The healing substances contained in carrots prevent premature aging of the skin, increase human immunity and preserve twilight vision.

Carrots are also useful for preventing diseases of the liver, kidneys and pancreas.

The fiber contained in this vegetable helps normalize digestion and cleanse the body of harmful toxins and waste.

In folk medicine, ground wild carrot seeds are often used. Infusions from them help remove excess salts from the body and reduce swelling.

Benefits for women

It is believed that if a woman regularly uses carrots in her daily menu, then she is more likely to have a normal menstrual cycle, because the root vegetable has a beneficial effect on blood circulation in the abdomen and pelvis.

The vitamins contained in the vegetable help women maintain youthful skin longer.

Benefits for pregnant women

In the early stages of pregnancy, carrots will be your faithful assistant. It will increase the human body's resistance to colds and reduce the risk of iron deficiency and hemorrhoids.

In late pregnancy and when breastfeeding a baby, you should consult your doctor to determine whether you can eat this root vegetable. Usually, if there is no allergy, then it is quickly introduced into the diet of the mother, and then the child himself.

Benefits for children

Carrots are very beneficial for a growing child's body. It helps strengthen bones and teeth. This vegetable is also recommended for consumption if the child has poor eyesight.

It is believed that carrot juice can be given to children when they reach six months of age. I recommend that you consult with your pediatrician before introducing a new product to your child’s menu to protect yourself from the risk of allergies.

Freshly squeezed carrot juice improves children's appetite and also helps normalize digestion.

Benefits for men

Raw carrots are especially recommended for men - they help cope with fatigue, give strength and increase potency. Therefore, experts recommend consuming this vegetable after active sports, physical labor and when there is a lack of oxygen.

Indications for use

The product is especially recommended for use by the elderly, pregnant women and nursing mothers, children and people with diabetes. In rare cases, carrots can be an allergen. In general, this root vegetable can be consumed by all people, provided there are no diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Carrots are good not only for vision, because they:

1. Prevents the formation of kidney and gallstones.
2. Increases immunity, so the body can resist bacteria and viruses.
3. Promotes the development of the fetus in the womb.
4. Reduces the likelihood of cancer.
5. Reduces pain in case of skin damage.
6. Restores intestinal microflora.
7. Strengthens tooth enamel.
8. Helps cleanse the intestines and the body as a whole.
9. Has a beneficial effect on male potency.
10. Prevents the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases.
11. Adjusts the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
12. Helps you get an even, beautiful tan (before going to the beach, you need to eat 200 g of carrots).
13. Reduces cholesterol levels.
14. Helps cope with constipation, bronchopulmonary diseases, anemia and vitamin deficiency.

Which form is best to eat?

The question of which carrots are healthier - raw or boiled - is quite complex. It is known that during heat treatment, many beneficial substances contained in vegetables are destroyed. This is especially true for vitamin C. However, there are certain diseases when a cooked vegetable is preferable to a raw one.

Let's look at this in more detail.

It is known that beta-carotene and lycopene begin to degrade only if they are subjected to heat treatment (120 degrees) for more than half an hour. Carotenoids are destroyed at 150 degrees.

If you are completely healthy or have problems with constipation, then you can and should eat raw carrots.

If you suffer from problems with the gastrointestinal tract, then it is better to eat boiled or stewed carrots. It may lose some vitamins, but it will be easier to absorb and digest.

• Stewed carrots with sour cream

Useful properties of tops

Not everyone knows that the green tops of carrots are no less useful than the root vegetable itself.

It contains:

• vitamin C;
• magnesium;
• potassium;
• selenium;
• calcium.

If you taste fresh leaves, they will turn out to be bitter and not suitable for regular consumption. But this problem is easy to solve - just pour boiling water over them. Tops are often used as an additional ingredient in salads or vegetable smoothies, which are so popular now.

Green carrot leaves can also be used in herbal teas - just brew them along with nettles, rose hips and currants.

The benefits of carrot tops are as follows:

• improved vision;
• removal of toxins;
• assistance in weight loss;
• increasing immunity;
• decreased blood pressure;
• improvement of metabolism.

An infusion of the tops can be used to relieve discomfort from inflammation of the urinary tract, varicose veins, cystitis and prostatitis.

The tops can also be used as a compress for joint inflammation.

Benefits of juice

Scientists have come to the conclusion that the more we chop the carrots we eat, the easier it is for our body to obtain carotene and provitamin A. Therefore, fresh juice or puree from this root vegetable is more beneficial for our health.

Grated carrots are often used to feed small children, so it is important to know how to season them correctly in order to preserve all the medicinal properties and make them tasty for the child. You can sweeten this simple dish with sugar or natural honey.

Freshly squeezed carrot juice is recommended for:

• low immunity;
• problems with the pancreas;
• weak metabolism.

You need to drink carrot juice with added fat (for example, cream) so that carotene is absorbed.

Do not throw away the pulp that remains when preparing juice - you can use it to make many interesting dishes, and also replace regular carrots where grated vegetables are required.

Important! Consult your doctor and find out your personal daily intake of carrot juice to avoid an allergic reaction.

Carrot recipes for healthy eating and beauty

Carrots are regularly included in the diet menu, as they promote weight loss. It can be used in recipes for hot dishes, salads and drinks.

Recently, Korean carrots have become very popular in our country. This easy-to-prepare dish has an original taste and at the same time retains all the healing properties of the orange vegetable.

To prepare, you will need fresh root vegetables and spices such as paprika, pepper, coriander and a little garlic.

The vegetable must be grated on a special grater, mixed with spices and seasoned with hot olive oil and vinegar.

This dish, in addition to its low calorie content, is known for its diuretic and choleretic properties.

For example, carrot juice mixed with cucumber and beet juice, diluted with water, can be used for diseases of the liver and gall bladder.

Antioxidant drink

You will need:

• 2 oranges;
• 2 carrots;
• a handful of parsley;
• 200 ml water.

Chop all ingredients, place in a blender and grind thoroughly.

Carrot mask for youthful skin

To prepare a face mask at home you need:

• 1 carrot;
• juice of one orange;
• honey.

Chop the carrots and mix with orange juice and honey until smooth.

Apply the mask to the skin and leave for half an hour. Try not to apply the mask to the area around the eyes and mouth to avoid allergies.

Rinse off the mask with warm water.

Video about the benefits of orange root vegetables:

Recipes: what can be cooked from carrots

Carrots are such a unique vegetable that can be combined with many other ingredients. Therefore, it has a wide range of preparation of different dishes.

This orange fruit is used to prepare soups, salads, appetizers, main courses, purees, smoothies, various cocktails with the addition of carrot juice or just pure carrot juice, side dishes, and pie fillings, which makes it an indispensable important product.

I often prepare carrot salad with melted cheese (optional with hard cheese) and garlic. The salad is prepared quickly, simply, no special expensive ingredients are needed. Here is his recipe.

Ingredients:

• medium-sized carrots - 2 pcs;
• processed cheese “Druzhba” - 1 piece;
• garlic - 3-4 cloves;
• mayonnaise - 80 g;
• salt to taste.

Preparation.

1. Grate the peeled and washed carrots on a medium grater.
2. Also pass the processed cheese through a medium grater.
3. Squeeze the garlic through a garlic press.
4. Place in a deep dish.
5. Add mayonnaise and mix everything.
6. Decorate with greens on top.

That's all, the salad is ready. Can be served as an appetizer.

The second recipe for carrot casserole with cottage cheese. Adults and children love this casserole; it is easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• cottage cheese - 2 packs;
• medium-sized carrots - 1 piece;
• egg -2 pcs;
• semolina - 80 g;
• butter - 30 g;
• sugar - 3-4 spoons;
• vanillin - on the tip of the knife.

Preparation.

1. Grate the carrots on a fine grater, simmer with butter, adding a little water until soft.
2. Combine cottage cheese with the remaining ingredients: eggs, semolina, sugar and vanilla.
3. Knead until smooth.
4. Add stewed carrots, mix everything.
5. Place the entire mass in the mold, having previously greased the bottom with some vegetable oil, and you can also sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 35 minutes until golden brown.
7. Cool, cut and serve with tea or coffee.

Contraindications

It is better not to eat carrots if you are allergic to this root vegetable.

It is also better to refrain from using it as food during acute attacks of gastritis or stomach ulcers, as well as in acute pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus.

The secret to eating the orange root vegetable correctly and getting the maximum benefit from it is to take it in moderation. Doctors do not recommend eating more than 3-4 carrots a day, otherwise signs of poisoning may occur: nausea, drowsiness, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Remember also that if you want to eat carrots at night, this should be done 2-3 hours before going to bed so as not to overload your stomach.

Harm of carrot juice

Carrot juice in large quantities can cause an unusual reaction in the body - lethargy and drowsiness, headache, nausea or symptoms of food poisoning. As with any product, you need to get used to carrot juice gradually. The norm for an adult is 250 ml per day - this is the volume of juice contained in one glass.

Raw foodists and supporters of juice therapy believe that you can drink up to 3-4 liters of juice per day, but if you do not want to take risks, stop at 500-1000 ml per day.

Another problem that may arise with systematic consumption of carrot juice is yellowing of the skin, especially in the fingers, toes, and face. There are two theories about the occurrence of carrot “jaundice”. According to one version, yellowing is caused by the release of toxins through the skin, which the excretory system cannot cope with during active cleansing of the liver.

Another version explains the yellowish tint of the skin after drinking carrot juice due to excess beta-carotene, which is thus released without having time to be absorbed.

In any case, some time after stopping juice therapy, the skin will return to its normal shade. If you have been taking the juice regularly for several months, the process of returning to normal will take a little longer. Yellowing or blanching of the skin after drinking carrot juice in large quantities is not a dangerous phenomenon and will go away on its own.

Carrot juice can be harmful during exacerbations of gastritis and pancreatitis, as well as diabetes. However, even with stomach ulcers, intestinal colic and hyperacidity gastritis, it is recommended to include this product in the diet in small quantities, getting used to it gradually so as not to cause a negative reaction.