Carrot is an orange root vegetable popular for its wide range of uses. The origin of carrots can be traced back to the temperate regions of Persia and Afghanistan. From there it travelled to its neighbouring regions of Arab, Africa and Asia. The ancient cousins of modern-day carrots were white, purple and red in colour.
This orange coloured vegetable is popular all over the world due to its versatile uses. It can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. At the same time, they can be stored easily for a long period of time. Carrots generally taste sweet but they have an earthy flavour as well.
Nutritional profile:
100 gm of carrot has:
Carrot also contains Vitamin K, copper, zinc, folate, riboflavin, thiamine and niacin.
The Many Health Benefits of Carrot for Kids and Adults:
Carrots are naturally rich in vitamins and antioxidants which is why they are so beneficial for your health. Here are some of the benefits of carrot:
Eye-sight: Vitamin A is essential for healthy and proper eyesight. The deficiency of Vitamin A can cause conditions like night blindness. Carrots are rich in an orange pigment named beta-carotene and your body can convert it into Vitamin A readily. A beta-carotene rich diet can help you prevent eye-related issues.
Weight loss: Carrots are low in calories and full of dietary fiber. The high fiber content allows you to be satiated for a long time and the lower amounts of calories help you to be in a calorie deficit. These can help you in managing your weight.
Strong immunity: Vitamin A and C strengthen your immune system. The deficiency of Vitamin C can make you vulnerable to infections. Carrots can supply the Vitamin A and C you need to maintain a strong immune system.
Blood sugar level: Carrot is essentially a non-starchy vegetable and ranks very low on the glycemic index. It is also full of soluble fibre like pectin. Therefore, carrots can help you control the insulin spike in your body and lower your blood sugar levels.
Benefits of Consuming Carrot during Pregnancy:
Like many other vegetables, carrots can be beneficial for your health during pregnancy. Here are some of those benefits:
Prevents cramps: Cramps often become your constant companion during pregnancy. Carrots have potassium in them. Potassium helps relax the muscles and can give you relief from unwanted cramps.
Foetal bone development: Micro-nutrients like calcium and magnesium are essential for the bone development of your foetus. Carrot can deliver both of them to you. Include carrots in your diet if you do not want to suffer from a deficiency of either calcium or magnesium.
Helps with constipation: During pregnancy, constipation may bother you to a very great extent. Only a fibre rich diet can help you to deal with this constipation. Carrot is a fibre rich vegetable and it can help you overcome constipation and digestion-related issues.
Fighting anaemia: Almost every pregnant woman suffers from iron deficiency, thus resulting in anaemia. Only adequate intake of iron can reduce the risk of anaemia. You can get your daily required iron from a vegetable like a carrot.
Risk of Consuming Carrot during Pregnancy:
The Tasty Way of Including Carrot in Your Diet:
The worldwide popularity of carrots owes much to their versatility. Carrots are easy to store and convenient to use in a wide variety of dishes. Some of them are:
Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Carrots
Carrots offer a wide range of health benefits and during pregnancy, you should try to incorporate them into your diet. They are a powerhouse of antioxidants that are essential for the optimal development of your baby.