Several studies also link the intake of carrots to the natural prevention of many serious diseases, such as cancer
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousIt is one of the most consumed roots in human nutrition - colorful, versatile and tasty. Several studies now also link carrot intake to the natural prevention of many serious diseases, such as cancer.
They are cheap, they can be found in all seasons, they can be kept for a long time at home to always have them available, they can be used for the preparation of many dishes (both sweet and savory). The carrots they are also a perfect snack to take around, to school or to work - crunchy, filling, rich in nutrients and low in calories (only 10% of the product we eat). They have always been associated with eye and skin health, but they also improve digestion and can help in weight loss and counteract the onset of serious diseases.
Thanks to the reduced caloric intake, carrots (especially raw ones) tend to lower the glycemic index and thus help to ward off numerous diseases - and are particularly healthy for those suffering from diabetes. They are also rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber: the former help to lower blood sugar levels, slowing down the assimilation of sugar and starch, and hinder the absorption of cholesterol into the blood; the latter (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) reduce the risk of constipation and promote fluid intestinal mobility.
In addition, they are an inexhaustible source of vitamins and minerals - such as betacarotene, which our body synthesizes and transforms into Vitamin A, essential for many vital functions of mammals: without vitamin A, in fact, the organism cannot grow, reproduce or fight diseases; a deficiency in this element can seriously damage the functionality of the eye (it can also lead to blindness), as well as problems with growth, as demonstrated in this study. Among the vitamins abundantly contained in carrots there is also the vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone health. Finally, the potassium, an essential mineral for our well-being, very important for blood pressure control.
(Also Read: Carrots: 10 Benefits And Reasons To Eat Them More Often)
What is important, however, is the role of these colorful roots in the prevent serious diseases such as cancer: various studies have in fact shown that eating carrots has an important role in the prevention of stomach, colon, prostate, lung cancer and leukemia. This is because they are very rich in carotenoids (α-carotene and β-carotene), natural antioxidants that can neutralize the effect of free radicals in our body - cause of cell damage that can lead, in fact, to the onset of tumors: cooked carrots they contend on average 3,723 micrograms of α-carotene and 9,771 micrograms of β-carotene per 100 grams (such a high concentration of these natural antioxidants is present only in dried apricots).
How many carrots should we eat in order to enjoy all these health benefits?
According to a study, 67 grams of carrots per day are enough (corresponding to an average carrot) to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Certainly it is not enough just to eat carrots to concretely reduce the risks associated with these diseases, but it is the set of our habits (food and otherwise) that make the difference when it comes to health: smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle and poor diet, as well as genetic factors or chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity, can increase the chances of cancer.
Font: NCBI
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