Health Benefits of Carrots

By Jason Jones

There are more than 600 known carotenoids. Carotenoids are naturally occurring plant pigments that provide the orange and yellow colors we see in plants and their produce. The vibrant orange color of carrot is provided by its high carotenoid content, in fact carrots are the biggest known source of carotenoids. Of the 600 known carotenoids, about 50 of them can also be converted to vitamin A by the liver.

Beta-carotene is the most famous carotenoid and was the first carotenoid to be discovered. It is the most abundant nutrient in carrots and is also the plant pigment that gives carrots their rich orange color. Researchers found that beta-carotene is also converted by the liver into vitamin A, which is essential to eye health.

So how do carrots help the eyes? Once beta-carotene is turned into vitamin A, vitamin A is then turned into another substance called rhodopsin. Rhodopsin is a purple based chemical needed by the eyes to actually see in the dark. No rhodopsin - no night vision!

Carotenoids further protect the eyes in their function as antioxidants. UV light is a source of harmful oxidants that attack healthy eye cells. Carotenoids are found in dense concentrations in the eye where they disarm these oxidants. Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are all linked to oxidant based damage.

Carotenoids are also linked to protection from heart disease. Many studies have shown that a daily intake of carrots or other foods high in carotenes can reduce the risk of suffering a heart attack by more than half. Reduction in the development of other heart related problems like high cholesterol, is also associated with carotene intake.

If that's not enough, carotenoids and carrots are also associated with cancer protection. Studies show a high intake of carotenoids can cut the chances of developing some cancers in half. Such cancers include that of the lungs, prostate, colon and esophagus.

Carotenoid intake may also be beneficial for diabetics. One study found that eating carotenoid rich foods, such as carrots, helped to lower spikes in blood sugar levels. It is not yet understood how carotenoids provide this observed benefit, but they certainly appear to make a difference.

Juicing fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to get a rich intake of carotenoids in your diet. Juicing also makes the carotenoids easily available for digestion, increasing the amount absorbed into the blood stream. A daily carrot juice will go a long way in helping you stay healthy! - 17269

About the Author:

Hope you enjoyed the article. My name is Jason Jones, my interests are health, natural healing, nutrition and green living. I love to write articles about these topics to share with everyone! Check out my comprehensive juicing blog juice recipes