Carrots are one of the most popular vegetables in Germany. But is the orange tuber really as he althy as many think? We'll tell you.
Vegetables are generally very he althy, they contain many vitamins, minerals and fiber and are simply part of a he althy diet. The carrot is particularly popular here. It is even the second most commonly grown crop in the EU after the tomato.
Carrots can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. They can be served as a vegetable side dish, with a fresh salad, but carrots are also very popular as a raw vegetable.
Although children usually don't have much to do with vegetables, carrots often have a completely different view. Due to the sweet taste, even the youngest eat a lot of carrots, usually with their first complementary food. So, carrots are undeniably a delicious vegetable, but are they he althy? We investigated the question once.
The main ingredient is beta carotene
No other vegetable contains as much beta-carotene as carrots. It is a precursor of vitamin A. This vitamin has a particularly strong antioxidant effect in our organism, which means it fights off free radicals that can damage our cells. These free radicals are mostly caused by various environmental influences, such as UV radiation or smoking.
The more intense the color of the carrots, the more beta-carotene they contain. However, the vitamin is not only a radical scavenger, it also strengthens eyesight and is good for the skin, mucous membranes, immune system and growth. Beta-carotene is one of the fat-soluble vitamins, so you should eat the carrots with some fat so that our body can absorb it at all.
Other valuable ingredients of the carrot
- In addition to a high content of important carotenoids, the carrot also has a lot more to offer. Freshly squeezed carrot juice is particularly he althy. By juicing, the fibers are broken down, so the active ingredients of the carrot can be released immediately. In addition, fresh carrot juice can support the liver's function in detoxifying the body.
- Eating a raw carrot can improve concentration. Carrots also contain a lot of iron, which is particularly important for blood formation. It also contains the minerals potassium, zinc, magnesium, sodium and calcium, as well as vitamins K, C and folic acid. Because carrots are high in fiber, they also promote he althy digestion.
- Carrots have very few calories and are therefore also suitable for a figure-conscious diet. Root vegetables can also lower cholesterol and stimulate kidney function. Although carrots are also low in sugar, they may help diabetics eliminate more sugar.