The Health Benefits of Home Grown Carrots

Carrots are power foods packed with nutrition that offer numerous health advantages. Carrots may help promote eye health, balance blood sugar levels, assist weight loss efforts, lower the risk of diabetes, regulate blood pressure and enhance immunity – among many other potential advantages.

Carrots contain soluble fiber in the form of pectin that can help slow digestion and absorption of sugar, and are rich in potassium, which has been shown to lower blood pressure.

1. Promotes Healthy Eyes

Carrots contain high concentrations of beta-carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A helps form rhodopsin pigment that allows your eyes to see in low light environments; without enough antioxidants like this one present, vision loss could occur and even blindness could result in reduced vision or blindness.

As well as carrots, other ways you can protect your eyes are through UV-blocking sunglasses, regular exercise, eating a balanced and nutritive diet and limiting screen time as well as trying to quit smoking altogether. Incorporating other healthy habits like regular dilated eye exams as well as getting sufficient sleep and maintaining a healthy weight are equally crucial in protecting eyesight.

2. Lowers Blood Pressure

Carrots are an excellent source of both vitamin A (which your body turns into beta-carotene for night blindness prevention) and carotenoids, which may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration. Plus, they’re an excellent source of potassium!

High-fiber foods like carrots are essential in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome and lowering LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol levels. Carrots also contain nitrates which have been linked to reduced blood pressure – one study demonstrated this with drinking carrot juice which resulted in significant decreases of systolic blood pressure by drinking it – likely due to its increase in potassium consumption from eating carrots.8.4

3. Boosts Immunity

Carrots contain beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A for maximum benefits to skin health, eye sight and immune system functionality. This nutrient also contributes to overall immunity support.

These foods are rich in potassium, which has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Furthermore, they contain B vitamins such as biotin and folic acid which aid in cell development and metabolism.

Carrot greens are an excellent source of vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), essential for blood clotting, vitamin A, fiber, and minerals – plus they add zest to any salad! Easy to grow at home and make delicious additions.

4. Reduces Risk of Cancer

Researchers have recently discovered that certain vegetables, including carrots, can significantly lower the risk of cancer. Carrots contain numerous health-promoting phytochemicals known as carotenoids which our bodies convert to vitamin A.

As they contain beta-carotene – which gives them their vibrant orange hue – these seeds may help protect against macular degeneration and cataracts in adults, while helping fight back against age related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Vitamin A deficiency can result in xerophthalmia, or progressive blindness, so it is recommended to consume foods rich in this nutrient in adequate amounts. Too much beta-carotene could potentially cause vitamin A toxicity.

5. Boosts Bone Health

Carrots contain beta-carotene, which the body can convert to vitamin A, helping protect against age-related eye diseases. They also contain biotin and potassium – two essential B vitamins!

Diets that contain carrots and other nutrient-rich produce have been shown to protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Furthermore, such diets reduce the risk of infections from bacteria and parasites such as salmonella, shigella and the Hepatitis A virus. Carrots provide our immune systems with key nutrients necessary for peak functioning while also being an excellent source of fiber.

6. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease

Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A for healthy skin, eyes and immunity. Furthermore, carrots provide potassium and vitamin C. Furthermore, biotin – once known as vitamin H – is also present.

Carrots contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, providing digestive health benefits. Furthermore, carrots contain an antioxidant called luteolin which may help prevent gum disease (periodontitis). Either raw or cooked carrots may be consumed. Conventionally grown carrots typically have pesticide residue; however washing and peeling will usually remove most residues.

7. Lowers Risk of Diabetes

Carrots boast an exceptionally low glycemic index and load, making them safe to eat for people living with diabetes. Plus, carrots contain pectin fiber which can slow digestion while helping keep blood sugar stable.

Carrots are non-starchy fruits that can be enjoyed either raw or cooked, though cooking allows your body to absorb more beta-carotene which converts into Vitamin A for eye protection and may reduce macular degeneration and cataract risks.

8. Reduces Risk of Obesity

Consuming more vegetables and fruits is one way to maintain proper blood pressure levels, lower cholesterol and promote weight loss. Carrots offer few calories per serving while providing essential potassium, vitamin K and fiber benefits.

Baby carrots can be made in two ways. First, immature carrots harvested before reaching full maturity may be harvested. Second, fully mature but damaged carrots would otherwise be thrown away can be repurposed into baby carrots as another way to reduce food waste and snack more conveniently on-the-go. Baby carrots make an ideal way of snacking anytime or anyplace!

9. Boosts Mental Health

Although no food can truly heal us all, eating yellow-red-orange vegetables like carrots can significantly enhance eyesight, skin health and brainpower. Lutein found in carrots helps protect against executive function burnout while protecting against cognitive decline according to a 2021 study published in Nutrients.

Home grown carrots can be an easy and nutritious way to increase intake as they thrive in well-drained soil without the high levels of pesticides used in conventional production, which may leave harmful residues behind.

10. Helps With Weight Loss

Carrots are low in calories and full of soluble fiber, both qualities which help people feel full for longer, thus leading to reduced eating and weight loss.

Carrots typically boast an extremely low glycemic index score, meaning they won’t cause sudden blood sugar spikes. Plus, potassium helps relax blood vessels and bring down blood pressure.

Carrots contain polyacetylenes which have anti-tumor activity and Vitamin C is known to boost immunity and skin health. Carrots have become a staple food worldwide and easy to grow at home.