8 health benefits of carrots and 6 reasons to avoid them

Carrots were originally purple, but they were bred to be orange in the 17th century.

Carrots are a root vegetable that is native to Central Asia. They are a popular vegetable around the world and are known for their orange color. Carrots are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.

Carrots can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. They are a popular ingredient in many dishes, such as salads, soups, and stews. Carrots can also be used to make carrot cake, carrot muffins, and carrot juice.

Here are some of the health benefits of carrots:

• Good for vision: Carrots are a good source of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is important for vision, especially night vision.
• May help prevent cancer: Carrots contain antioxidants that may help protect cells from damage that can lead to cancer.
• May help lower cholesterol: Carrots contain soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels.
• May boost the immune system: Carrots contain antioxidants that may help boost the immune system.
• May help improve digestion: Carrots contain fiber, which can help improve digestion.

Carrots are a healthy and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a good source of nutrients and have a number of health benefits.

Here are some tips for choosing and storing carrots:

• Choose carrots that are firm and have a bright orange color. Avoid carrots that are soft, bruised, or have blemishes.
• Carrots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Benefits of eating carrots

1. Improves vision

2. Prevents cancer

3. Rich in anti-aging properties.

4. Improves skin health.

5. Prevents infection

6. prevents heart disease.

7. Prevents stroke

8. Flushes out the toxins from the body. Source: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-benefits-of-carrots.html?page=1

Interactions caused by eating carrots

1. Carrot can interact with blood sugar lowering medications.

2. Carrot can interact with anti- diarrheal medications.

3. Can have additive effect on anti-oxidant medications.

4. Can have an additive effect on hormones.

5. Carrots can interact with laxatives.

6. Carrot can increase the GI – Transit time and hence caution shoul be taken for oral medications.

7. Carrot when taken with iron supplements or multivitamins can have an added effect. Source: http://www.healthline.com/natstandardcontent/carrot#2

8. Carrot can interact with various types of organisms. Source: http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2009/hordyk_pete/interactions.htm

9. Carrot an inhibit the multiplication of various organisms. Source: http://books.google.co.in/books?id=-3DwAnmgyFYC&pg=PA110&lpg=PA110&dq=carrot+-+interactions&source=bl&ots=d8RKEjq2D8&sig=39CKuPn9C8lWgLqLtZpOBWp3TFc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=7GbVU-fpN9WNuASN64CwDw&ved=0CEMQ6AEwBTgK#v=onepage&q=carrot%20-%20interactions&f=false

10. Carrot is found to have a protective effect against cancer. Source: http://www.nutritionj.com/content/3/1/19

11. Nitrates in carrots can cause methaemoglobinemia in susceptible individuals. Source: http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/90/1/1.full

12. Food addiction has been reported with carrots. Source: http://jn.nutrition.org/content/139/3/617.long

Health conditions to avoid carrots:

1. Carrots should be used with caution for people with hypoglycemia

2. Carrots should be avoided in hormone sensitive conditions.

3. Carrot should be avoided in case of bowel obstruction.

4. Should be avoided by people alleric to carrots. Source: http://www.healthline.com/natstandardcontent/carrot#2

5. Should be avoided in infants below 3 months for the risk of methaemoglobinemia. Source: http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/90/1/1.full

6. Carrots should be avoided by people on laxatives. Source: http://www.health24.com/Diet-and-nutrition/Healthy-foods/Vegetables/Carrot-Daucus-carota-2012072

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photography-of-orange-carrots-1306559/

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