Nutrition: 5 benefits of carrots

Forget about vitamin A pills. With this orange crunchy power food, you get vitamin A and a host of other powerful health benefits including beautiful skin, cancer prevention, and anti-aging. Read how to get maximum benefits from this amazing vegetable. Improves vision Western culture’s understanding of carrots being “good for the eyes” is one of the few we got right. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the liver. Vitamin A is transformed in the retina, to rhodopsin, a purple pigment necessary for night vision. Helps prevent cancer Studies have shown carrots reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. Researchers have just discovered falcarinol and falcarindiol which they feel cause the anticancer properties. Carrots are one of the only common sources of this compound. A study showed 1/3 lower cancer risk by carrot-eating mice. Slows down aging Florence Karunji, a cosmetic seller says the carotene in carrots acts as an antioxidant to cell damage done to the body through regular metabolism. “It help slows down the aging of cells which keeps someone looking young. It is a better alternative to many artificial medicines used,” she warns. Promotes healthier skin Vitamin A and antioxidants protects the skin from sun damage. Deficiencies of vitamin A cause dryness to the skin, hair and nails. Vitamin A prevents premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tone. Helps prevent infection Carrots are known by herbalists to prevent infection. They can be used on cuts – shredded raw or boiled and mashed.

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Nutrition: 5 benefits of carrots