Carrots are root vegetables that were initially grown circa 900 AD in Afghanistan. Although orange is their most well-known colour, they also occur in purple, yellow, red, and white. Carrots were purple or yellow in the beginning. Around the 15th or 16th century, orange carrots were created in Central Europe.

Depending on the colour, size, and region of origin, this popular and versatile vegetable may have a slightly distinct flavour. Carrots have a slightly sweet flavour due to the sugar, but they can also be earthy or bitter.

Nutritional Value of Carrots

A half cup of carrots equals one serving. One serving contains the following ingredients:

There are 25 calories in this dish.

Carbohydrates, 6 grammes

Fiber content: 2 g

Sugar content: 3 g

There are 0.5 grammes of protein in this serving.

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. A half-cup of coffee can provide you with up to:

73 percent of your daily vitamin A needs

9% of your daily vitamin K intake

8% of your daily potassium and fibre intake

5% of your daily vitamin C intake

2% of your daily calcium and iron intake

Carrots Have a Lot of Health Benefits

Carrots are high in antioxidants and have numerous health advantages. The following are the highlights:

They are beneficial to your eyes. The most well-known carrot superpower is undoubtedly this one. They're high in beta-carotene, a chemical that your body converts to vitamin A, which aids in eye health. Furthermore, beta-carotene protects your eyes from the sun and reduces the risk of cataracts and other eye diseases.

Yellow carrots contain lutein, an antioxidant that is also beneficial to your eyes. It has been shown in studies to aid in the treatment or prevention of age-related macular degeneration, the major cause of vision loss in the United States.

They have the potential to reduce your cancer risk. Antioxidants have been shown to fight damaging free radicals in the body, which may reduce your risk of cancer. Carotenoids and anthocyanins are the two types of antioxidants found in carrots. Carotenoids are the orange and yellow pigments in carrots, whereas anthocyanins are the red and purple pigments.

They are beneficial to your heart. To begin with, all of those antioxidants are beneficial to your heart. Second, the potassium in carrots can help you maintain a healthy blood pressure level. Finally, they include fibre, which can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Lycopene, found in red carrots, helps to avoid heart disease.

They help to strengthen your immune system. Carrots include vitamin C, which aids in the formation of antibodies that protect your immune system. Vitamin C also aids in the absorption and utilisation of iron, as well as the prevention of infections.

They can aid in the relief of constipation. Try eating some raw carrots if you're having difficulties going to the restroom. They can help relieve constipation and keep you regular thanks to their high fibre content.

They can aid in the management of diabetes. Non-starchy veggies, such as carrots, are recommended for people with diabetes. Carrots have fibre that can help keep blood sugar levels in check. They're also high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, both of which have been linked to a reduced risk of diabetes.

Carrot Risks

Your skin may turn an orange-yellow tint if you consume too much beta-carotene. Carotenemia is the medical term for this illness. It's frequently treatable and quite harmless. However, in severe situations, it can prevent vitamin A from working properly, affecting your vision, bones, skin, metabolism, and immune system.

For persons who can't convert beta-carotene to vitamin A, such as those with hypothyroidism, too much beta-carotene might cause issues.

Carrots may cause itchiness in some people's mouths. Oral allergy syndrome is what it's termed. Proteins in certain fruits and vegetables cause your body to respond as if they were pollens to which you are allergic. If the carrots are cooked, this is less likely to happen.

How to Prepare and Store Carrots

Carrots are suitable for a variety of diets, including vegan, keto, paleo, and others.

To prepare them, properly wash them in water and scrape any debris off. You can use a vegetable peeler or knife to peel them if you like, but you don't have to.

After that, slice them into sticks and serve with hummus or a yogurt-based dip. If you don't want your carrots to be crunchy, steam, boil, or bake them as a side dish. They're also tasty in savoury meals like beef stew, chicken pot pie, and stir-fries.

Fresh, whole carrots can be stored in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for several weeks. Trim the leafy green tops first if they're still connected. Then put them in a plastic bag with holes in it to keep them safe.