We all are so used to seeing the regular orange coloured carrots in our local grocery stores, but did you know that carrots come in different types and colours, ranging from deep purple to lunar white to red and even yellow! Yes, they do exist and the reason for their varied colours is because of their root pigments (like beta-carotene, xanthophylls, lycopene and anthocyanins), weather and soil conditions, sunlight and water received by the seeds and what time of the year the seed is planted and how these carrots are cultivated. Now, a common question may arise as to whether all these colours taste the same? Well, there is a very subtle taste difference between the colours and it would be better noticed if eaten raw, rather than cooked.
There are lots of health benefits associated with carrots; here are some of them –
1. Helpful for eyesight:
I’m sure this benefit is something we have all heard before. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which can help keep blindness and age-related eye problems at bay including macular degeneration and cataract (where the lens of the eye gets a cloudy film and further, decreases one’s vision).
2. May boost immunity:
Carrots contain a rich content of vitamins A and C, which act as antioxidants to the body. They protect the immune system and reduce free radical (chemical changes in the cells) damage. This damage in the body can increase the risk of getting cancer and diseases.
3. May improve blood sugar levels:
Including carrot juice in your diet may be helpful to improve your blood sugar levels, as carrot juice has low glycemic index (system used to check foods that affect one’s blood sugar levels by assigning a number to carbohydrate-containing foods and beverages) , which may help improve blood sugar management in people having diabetes.
4. Helpful for the skin:
Carrots contain carotenoids (a plant pigment) which act as antioxidants for the skin, protecting it from ultraviolet (UV) rays and repair skin tissues. It can help improve the appearance of the skin and reduce acne and prevent blemishes and in turn, naturally exfoliating the skin.
5. Improving heart health:
Carrot juice is a good source of potassium which is a mineral that plays an important role in the regularization of one’s blood pressure. The antioxidants and beta-carotene in carrots may have a positive effect on heart health. Carrots have fibre that can help maintain a healthy weight and lower the chances of heart disease.
6. Could prevent different types of cancer:
Carrot juice is rich in antioxidants. After digestion, some particles remain in our system, known as free radicals. These may damage our cells. The antioxidants in carrots can help ward off cell damage and prevent the risk of cancer. READ MORE – SPEARMINT TEA for clear skin, improve memory, detox body and more..
Here are a few recipes if you’d like to make carrot juice at home:
Recipe 1:
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 carrots (peeled)
- 1½ glasses of water
- Raw Honey (as per your personal taste)
Method:
Chop two or three peeled carrots into small pieces and grind in a mixer blender with one and a half glasses of water. You could either add sugar or salt or even a pinch of both, which is totally optional. Once the carrots are ground to a fine watery paste, strain it into a glass to get the juice. It is ready to consume.
Recipe 2:
- 1 or 2 carrots (peeled)
- 2 glasses of water
- Orange – 2
- 1 inch ginger (optional or as per your taste)
- Raw Honey to taste
Method:
Chop one or two peeled carrots into small pieces along with the oranges and grind in a mixer blender with two glasses of water. You could either add sugar or salt or even a pinch of both, which is totally optional. Add chopped ginger (optional) and once the mixture is ground to a fine watery paste, strain it into a glass to get the juice. It is ready to consume. READ MORE – Pumpkin Seeds for hair growth, weight loss, good sleep and more
There could also be variations made to this juice by either removing or adding ingredients like mint, oranges, an apple or even a peach for some added flavor.