research I learned that this rumor was believed to have been started by the "South Beach Diet" due to the glycemic index. Again another blog so back to Carrots.
I don’t think anyone can argue that carrots are an excellent source of nutrients. Carrots are incredibly rich in both alpha-carotene and beta-carotene (which converts into vitamin A in your body) plus they have a ton of fiber, lots of anti-aging and disease-fighting phytonutrients, a hefty dose of potassium and even a sprinkling of calcium and magnesium.
With that rumor set aside lets concentrate on the positive:
“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. 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.
t’s all in the crunch! Carrots clean your teeth and mouth. They scrape off plaque and food particles just like toothbrushes or toothpaste. Carrots stimulate gums and trigger a lot of saliva, which being alkaline, balances out the acid-forming, cavity-forming bacteria. The minerals in carrots prevent tooth damage. Maybe this is why Mitzi our 15 year old dog has healthy gums and body, she eats carrots with us daily.
From all the above benefits it is no surprise that in a Harvard University study, people who ate more than six carrots a week are less likely to suffer a stroke than those who ate only one carrot a month or less.
Studies show that diets high in carotenoids are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Carrots have not only beta-carotene but also alpha-carotene and lutein.The regular consumption of carrots also reduces cholesterol levels because the soluble fibers in carrots bind with bile acids.
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.
Okay let us review, Lowers risk of Heart disease, stroke and lowers cholesterol. Great for your eyes, awesome for your skin for various reasons. Oh let us not forget 1 medium carrot is only 25 calories.
The subject on Carrots I now officially put to rest!! Eat your carrots Foodies!!!