Say what you will about Bugs Bunny, but he was definitely right about liking carrots. While this common vegetable is known for improving eyesight, its considerable nutritional content lets it do so much more, including helping care for your heart.
The health benefits of the carrot are as varied as its colorful varieties. You probably only recognize the orange kind – the one you see in almost all supermarkets today – but it actually comes in white, yellow, red, and purple varieties. Its different colors aren’t just for show – they also tell you which phytochemicals the particular type of carrot contains.
Orange carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted by the body into vitamin A, a potent antioxidant that helps in maintaining the eyes and skin. It’s also believed to have anti-cancer properties. Yellow carrots don’t contain as much beta-carotene, but they’re rich in lutein needed for healthy eyesight.
Red carrots, on the other hand, contain the antioxidant lycopene, which is noted for helping protect the body against cancer. Red varieties also contain moderate amounts of lutein and alpha- and beta-carotene.
Purple and white carrots are both good for the heart. Purple varieties contain anthocyanins, which are antioxidants known for their anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective properties. White carrots don’t contain as much anthocyanin but are rich in potassium which is essential for lowering blood pressure.
Clinical studies, however, suggest that to gain the heart-protective benefits of carrots, you don’t have to eat just the white and purple varieties. All carrots have an abundance of antioxidants that fight free radicals – molecules that disrupt cellular function and damage the tissues. Having an uncontrolled level of free radicals in the body leads to oxidative stress which, in turn, results in organ damage and serious diseases like cancer and heart disorders. (MORE)
Source: Natural News
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