The reason I am looking into carrots is because I have started juicing and carrots are used a lot for the main vegetable in recipes. Carrots have always been a favorite of mine whether raw or cooked (usually with a roast).
There are hundreds of research studies that prove the many benefits of carrots. The first one that we all probably have heard is that carrots are good for your eyes which is true. This is due to the high level of beta-carotene which is converted to Vitamin A. I usually only eat orange carrots but they do come in different colors and in my research I found that yellow carrots are very beneficial for the eyes for their high lutein content. Lutein can pass thru the retinal barrier to the macula which enhances eyesight (sharp details, recognize colors & read). Lutein is a powerful antioxidant which protects the eyes from diseases by absorbing harmful blue light which we are exposed to every day if we use any electrical screens (TV, computers). Besides the eyes lutein is important for the brain especially in children for neural growth and high ingestion lowers risk of muscular degeneration during old age (6mg per day; average is 1-2mg). With this information I will definitely increase my yellow carrot juicing intake.
The polyphenols, polyacetylenes and ascorbic acid (Vit. C) all play a big part in protecting the body due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity. The different colors have more/less of the different phytochemicals.
The dark orange carrots have a lot more vitamin C which helps with healthy skin, gums and blood vessels. It helps with reducing plasma cholesterol, improves the immune system, aids against cancer, arteriosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases and in neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ischemic stroke).
Black carrots are high in anthocyanins which are useful in fighting cancers. They reduce cardiovascular diseases by decreasing blood cholesterol (liver produces less) and glucose levels.
As you can see carrots have many health benefits and I only touched on a few. Saw many studies on the kidneys and that carrots were folkorically used to treat urinary disorders. There have been hundreds of studies on different types of cancers and the benefit of carrot juice.
There was one paper on a man who became toxic due to eating too many carrots in trying to lose weight. I would say he became toxic because he was constipated which they didn’t say how many days he went without a bowel movement. I wouldn’t worry about becoming toxic if you are having a bowel movement everyday which should be the minimum if you are eating three meals a day. There are many people juicing a pound of carrots a day without any problems.
My recommendation is to increase your carrot intake (all colors) whether eating or juicing for better health and do your own research especially if you have a specific concern.
