Carrots are a fantastic source of antioxidants, including beta-carotene, a reddish pigment that is turned into vitamin A in the body
Tip:
Cooking carrots makes beta-carotene easier to absorb.
Carrots are a great source of fibre, which supports a healthy digestive system.
Carrots have a low GI – this is good for diabetics and means they release sugar slower into the blood.
Three tablespoons of carrot slices count as one 5-a-day portion.
The sweetness of carrots makes them perfect for savoury and sweet cooking alike.
Click here for some delicious recipe ideas.
An average carrot is almost 90% water – so they help hydrate the body.
Carrots help keep teeth healthy, so make a perfect snack between meals. They are naturally abrasive, so they help remove plaque; and they combine with saliva to remove bacteria and food particles.
Organic Carrots are even more amazing…
A study by the Organic Trade Board found that 79% of organic buyers agree that organic produce tastes better.
A 2015 study by Newcastle University found that organic crops have almost 70% more antioxidants. Research has linked antioxidants to a reduced risk of diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions, and certain cancers.
Organic farming uses less energy per kg of food produced.
Organic crops are produced using only natural methods of crop control and fertilization.
Organic farming absorbs and stores more C02 from the atmosphere in the soil. If all farming in the UK was converted to organic, an additional 1.3 million tonnes of carbon would be taken into the soil each year. This is the equivalent to taking nearly 1 million cars off the road.
On average, there is 50% more plant, insect and bird life on organic farms. There are also around 30% more different species of wildlife.
Carrots are also rich in:
- Vitamin A – which helps the body maintain healthy skin, bone and teeth. It also produces useful pigments in the eye, so carrots really can help you see better!
- Vitamin C – this vitamin helps keep the skin, bones and body cells healthy and promotes healing.
- Vitamin K – needed for blood clotting.
- Vitamin B5 – also known as panthothenic acid, a vital compound which helps the body maintain a healthy digestive system and create red blood cells.
- Folate – which the body uses to make DNA and other important genetic material.
- Potassium – this is essential for cells to work well and maintain a good balance of electrolytes, particularly important for people exercising.
- Iron – plays a vital part in enabling red blood cells to absorb oxygen and transport it around the body.
- Copper – an essential part of all body cells and tissues, such as red blood cells, and the nervous and immune systems.
- Manganese – plays many roles in the body, including the formation of connective tissue, bones and sex hormones; and the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates.