What happens when you eat carrots?Without a doubt, carrots fall into the category of “healthy foods”.
But have you ever wondered what exactly happens to your body when you eat carrots?
Carrots are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and even a bit of fiber – all of which promote health in different ways.
* Your eye health will improve.
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If I had to name one nutrient in carrots, many would mention vitamin A. For many years, carrots have been known for their high levels of micronutrients linked to eye health. So does eating these vegetables really give you super-vision?
“While it’s true that vitamin A can support healthy eyes, it’s important to note the specific benefits,” says Lauren Manaker, registered dietitian and author of Fueling Male Fertility. is to reduce the risk of night blindness (inability to see in the dark) and certain eye diseases”.
Eating a carrot or two doesn’t necessarily give you eagle-eyed eyes right away, but the combination of nutrients in carrots helps support overall eye health.
Expert Manaker says: Lutein may help reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration. So, because carrots contain both vitamin A and lutein, they provide unique benefits for eye health.
Not all vitamin A does for your eyes, it may also play a role in preventing cancer.
Expert Edie Reads, chief editor at healthadvise.org, said: “Carrots are high in beta carotene, the antioxidant vitamin A. And may help prevent chronic diseases, including some cancers”.
Specifically, carrots have been studied for their effects on breast, colon and prostate cancers… A 2018 meta-analysis found that eating more carrots was associated with a reduced risk breast cancer, while a 2020 study of 57,000 people indicated that carrots may protect against colorectal cancer.
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, there is “compelling” evidence that combining non-starchy vegetables (such as carrots) with fruit reduces the risk of gastrointestinal cancer.
* Can lose weight.
When you have a jar of Ranch sauce that screams for you to dip something in it, choosing a carrot substitute, such as french fries, is clearly a smart move to lose weight.
One normal-sized carrot contains 1.7 grams of fiber, which is 5 to 7.6% of the average person’s daily fiber needs. This high level of fiber promotes good gut health and satiety for conscious eating.”
* May improve skin health.
“While the data is still coming out, there is some evidence to suggest that eating carotenoids may protect against sun damage,” said Manaker. Carrots are a natural source of carotenoids, and so may help protect the skin from sun damage.
* You will strengthen your bones.
“Carrots aren’t traditionally known for their bone health benefits, but they provide significant amounts of two bone-supporting nutrients,” says Balanced One Supplements expert Trista Best.
One cup of carrots contains 40 milligrams of calcium (4% of the recommended daily intake) and 15.8 micrograms of vitamin K (17.5% of the recommended daily intake for women and 13.2% for men).
To make sure your body absorbs as much vitamin K as possible, pair carrots with any type of healthy fat.
So drizzling some olive oil or avocado oil on some roasted carrots could be a smart choice for your overall health.”
* Can stabilize blood sugar.
When grown, carrots have a sweet taste.
However, they have a lower glycemic index because they are relatively lower in sugar and calories while being high in fiber. That puts a GI around 39. This won’t cause a spike in sugar for diabetics.”
And according to expert Manaker, carrots can be a delicious addition to smoothies. Just add some carrots to your classic recipe for a sweet boost along with some key nutrients.
* You can turn orange.
The pigments in carrots’ beta-carotene flow through your bloodstream — and if there’s an excess, they can get into your skin. Orange is more common in people with lighter skin tones and usually first appears on the thickest areas of the body, such as the palms, elbows, and soles of the feet.
Fortunately, having an orange body rash is quite rare and does not pose any health risks.
So keep enjoying your carrots, but don’t overeat!