Carrots - useful properties, harm and product composition

Carrots are an incredibly useful product for human health, and not only the root crop, but also the tops of the plant bring benefits. Carrots are used for medicinal purposes, many use it as a weight loss aid, and athletes use it to restore strength after a hard workout. It is noteworthy that the vegetable is good not only raw - it can be boiled, stewed, steamed or squeezed out, and at the same time it will almost not lose its useful properties.

The composition of the product contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, the effect of which is not limited only to improving vision, which everyone knows about from childhood. Carrots have a healing effect on the entire body as a whole, improve the condition of hair, skin, and have many other useful properties.

Composition, nutritional value and calorie content

The composition, nutritional value and calorie content of carrots vary depending on the chosen cooking method: stewing, baking, boiling or grating a raw root vegetable. Consider the calorie indicators in each case:

Korean-style carrots are the most nutritious - 137 kcal per 100 g. However, they remain as useful as raw carrots, but only if they are home-made.

Nutritional value of raw carrots per 100 g:

• proteins - 1.4 g;
• fats - 0.1 g;
• carbohydrates - 6.8 g;
• water - 87.9 g;
• dietary fiber - 2.5 g;
• ash - 1.2 g;
• organic acids - 0.4 g

The ratio of BZHU in fresh carrots is 1.2 / 0.1 / 5.2, respectively, while the composition of BZHU of cooked carrots is 1.1 / 0.4 / 6.6.

Chemical composition of fresh product per 100 g:

In addition, carrots contain glucose and fructose in amounts of 3.4 g and 1.1 g per 100 g, respectively. As well as nonessential and essential amino acids and, in small amounts, polyunsaturated fatty acids.

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Note: even oil is prepared from the root vegetable, the chemical composition of which is rich in vitamin B6, potassium with copper, thiamine, magnesium and folic acid.

To preserve all the nutrients of the carrots during cooking, it is enough to cook vegetables under a closed lid. Moreover, in a boiled form, the root vegetable is absorbed a little better than in a raw one - while the amount of carotene even increases during the cooking process. True, for the best absorption of carotene, carrots should be eaten with fats, for example, in the form of a salad with the addition of a small amount of olive oil and nuts.

The benefits of carrots for humans

The benefits of carrots for the human body are great and practically does not decrease during the heat treatment of the product. But the most useful are: raw carrots (for example, grated or in the form of juice), boiled, as well as steamed carrots.

Consider the health effects of a root vegetable:

1. The leading position is taken by the influence on the human visual organ, namely the ability to improve vision thanks to the vitamin A included in the product. To normalize the eyes, it is necessary to regularly consume a vegetable.
2. With diabetes, it is also useful to eat carrots, especially boiled ones, because the boiled product contains more antioxidants.
3. Carrots have a positive effect on the work of the heart, not only normalizing blood cholesterol levels, but also lowering blood pressure in people suffering from hypertension. Systematic consumption of the root vegetable reduces the risk of stroke and strengthens blood vessels, which is very beneficial for athletes who load the heart with cardiovascular exercise.
4. It is useful to eat a vegetable in the presence of varicose veins or atherosclerosis, as well as simply to prevent the work of the cardiovascular system.
5. Regular consumption of this sweet vegetable can help reduce the risk of developing cancer. In addition, carrots should be used not only as a prophylaxis, but also for the treatment of oncology.
6. Carrots have a great effect on the work of the digestive system, due to which the metabolism is accelerated, which is very useful for losing weight. The vegetable improves bowel function, relieves constipation and removes poisons from the body.
7. The root vegetable has antioxidant properties, especially the bright orange carrot.
8. The vegetable helps with kidney and liver diseases, renewing cells and cleansing internal organs of toxins.

In addition, some scientists are confident that if you regularly eat carrots, you can extend life by several years.

Weight loss and impact on the female body

Useful properties for the female body extend not only to help in losing weight, but also to improve the well-being and condition of the skin, namely:

1. Carrots prevent cell aging, due to which facial wrinkles appear several times slower. In addition, the skin becomes softer and more elastic. To enhance the effect, add freshly squeezed carrot juice to face masks.
2. The root vegetable prevents the appearance of cellulite, which often appears due to impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Carrots are better than any other product in helping to normalize the specified exchange.
3. To improve the condition of your hair, use masks based on carrot oil. This will not only strengthen the hair, but also make it softer and help get rid of dandruff.
4. Carrots reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
5. The product is useful during pregnancy as a diuretic and a source of vitamins.

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In addition, carrots are a dietary product from which you can prepare an unimaginable number of delicious dishes. As you know, it is the observance of a correct, balanced diet that helps to lose extra pounds and acquire the figure of your dreams. Fasting days on carrots are extremely useful - they give the stomach a rest and cleanse the intestines.

Note: fresh, oven-baked, boiled, grated (you can even with honey, but not sugar) and steamed carrots are suitable for weight loss.

Useful properties for men

The benefits of carrots for men:

1. Carrots are especially useful for athletes or people doing hard physical work, as the vegetable strengthens the heart and helps to recover faster after exhausting stress.
2. The vegetable prevents the development of prostate cancer and is used in the complex therapy of this disease.
3. Carrots have a positive effect on potency.
4. Carrot oil can be used for massage purposes to relieve muscle soreness that often occurs after strength training in the gym or after household chores.

The systematic use of carrots increases immunity and strengthens bones, and reduces the risk of lung cancer in active and passive smokers.

Carrot juice for health

Carrot juice is traditionally considered healthy for everyone without exception - children, women and men. All this is due to the high content of vitamins, as well as micro and macro elements.

A freshly squeezed drink affects the body as follows:

1. Appetite improves, pancreas work, fatigue decreases.
2. The juice is used to fight gallstone diseases.
3. Due to the high iron content in carrots, the juice is used to treat anemia, as well as to strengthen the nervous system.
4. Carrot juice is a natural sedative.
5. The drink cleanses the body of toxins and toxins, improves well-being in case of diseases of the eyes, liver, skin or kidneys.
6. Thanks to the vitamin C included in the product, it strengthens the immune system.

However, remember that only real freshly squeezed juice from ripe carrots has all of the above properties.

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Grated root vegetable

Grated root vegetable is useful to the same extent as whole carrots, but there is one caveat: it is much more convenient to eat, and it is better absorbed by the body.

In addition to an extensive list of beneficial effects on the body, grated carrots can be used externally as an antiseptic with antiviral action.

The grated pulp is used for healing small open wounds on the skin or burns. In addition, the product can be used to relieve redness and rashes that appear due to an allergic reaction from the abuse of honey.

You can eat carrots with sugar (but not for diabetics), since all the useful substances from the composition of the product do not disappear anywhere. But to enhance their positive effects on the body, it is better to use carrots with honey. Such a delicacy is especially effective in winter, when outbreaks of flu and colds begin.

Carrot tops

Carrot tops have a high content of vitamin C, which is many times more than in the root vegetable. Plus it contains potassium and folic acid.

The benefits of greens:

• tops strengthens the nervous system;
• reduces the manifestation of varicose veins;
• systematic use of foliage reduces painful sensations in hemorrhoids;
• leaves improve the functioning of the visual organs;
• the product has a positive effect on the reproductive function of men and women, if taken in the form of a decoction;
• you can rinse your mouth with juice from the tops to relieve gum inflammation;
• carrot tops in the form of tea strengthens the immune system.

Take your time to throw out the carrot leaves because of their specific taste; in small quantities, it can be added to salads instead of parsley or dill.

Possible harm from carrots and contraindications

Possible harm from carrots (including tops) and contraindications for use can be caused by individual intolerance, allergic reaction or overeating.

The daily intake for an adult is 3 or 4 medium-sized carrots, and 1 piece is enough for children.

In case of abuse, the following may appear:

• dizziness;
• stomach cramps;
• nausea;
• rash;
• weakness in the body.

Fresh root vegetable (grated or in the form of juice) is contraindicated:

• during an exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases;
• in the presence of large kidney stones (carrots are used to remove sand from the kidneys, and therefore, stones can also move from their place, which is painful and dangerous to health);
• with chronic liver disease - this organ will be problematic to process large amounts of beta-carotene.

You will have to give up the use of root vegetable leaves:

• if you are allergic to any of the elements of the product;
• pregnant women and during breastfeeding;
• small children.

People suffering from diabetes are advised to eat carrots not just boiled, but also in limited quantities (which will be announced by the doctor).

Harm from fried carrots, in addition to the above, can be caused by excess oil during the frying process. In this case, people suffering from obesity, it is better to refrain from eating root vegetables.

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Conclusion

Carrots are a product of healthy people and athletes. Regular consumption of a sweet vegetable will strengthen the immune system, improve vision, smooth the skin from wrinkles, and support the heart. With the help of carrots, you can lose weight and get rid of muscle pains that appear after active loads in the gym. The root crop and its tops are used for medicinal purposes, because they are equally useful for both the female and male body. Be sure to follow the recommended daily intake, and then the carrots will only be beneficial.

Watch the video: THIS IS WHAT SAVED MY CARROTS! (November 2024).