Carrots are an Excellent Source
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We were amused by this recommendation; however, it turns out the recruiter was onto something. These healthy root vegetables promote good vision by virtue of their high antioxidant content--beta-carotene, in particular, which is especially good for protecting and improving night vision. Beta-carotene also provides protection against macular degeneration and senile cataracts.
Other Health Benefits
- Colon Health - A phytonutrient called falcarinol may be associated with lower cancer risk.
- Lung Health - Smokers should consume lots of vitamin A-rich foods, such as these vegetables.
Nutrients
| Raw Carrots / 1 cup / 122 grams / 52.46 calories | ||
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient | Amount | DV* (%) |
| vitamin A | 34317.4 IU | 686.3 |
| Vitamin K | 16.1 mcg | 20.1 |
| Vitamin C | 11.35 mg | 18.9 |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.66 g | 14.6 |
| Potassium | 394.06 mg | 11.3 |
| Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) | 0.18 mg | 9.0 |
| Manganese | 0.17 mg | 8.5 |
| Molybdenum | 6.10 mcg | 8.1 |
| vitamin B1 (thiamin) | 0.12 mg | 8.0 |
| Vitamin B3 (niacin) | 1.13 mg | 5.6 |
| Phosphorus | 53.68 mg | 5.4 |
| Magnesium | 18.3 mg | 4.6 |
| Folate | 17.08 mcg | 4.3 |
Here's a delicious way to incorporate more of these root vegetables in your daily diet:
SMOOTHIE
Put everything into a blender and blend well until creamy and a pretty light orange color.
How to Select and Store
Choose roots that are firm, smooth and have a bright orange color. Larger ones are generally sweeter and good for juicing. If still attached, tops should be very fresh--brightly colored and not wilted. Cut off the tops before storing in the refrigerator; otherwise, they will pull moisture from the roots and cause them to wilt prematurely.
If they are organic, just clean by brushing under water with a vegetable brush right before eating. I have heard that the juice is sweeter when made from peeled ones.
Note: A powerful blender like the Blendtec blender or Vita-Mix will easily blend up the carrot and prunes to a smooth and creamy consistency. If you have a less powerful machine, you should chop up large ingredients before putting them in the blender and you'll need to blend for a longer time.
Juice
Juice is a delicious way to get all of the health-giving nutrients. Since it's a complex carbohydrate it provides almost immediate energy when consumed on an empty stomach. Naturally, freshly squeezed or pressed juice is the number one option, but there's an alternative way to get the benefits of the juice when fresh isn't available, like when you're traveling.
CarrotJuiceMax is a whole-food concentrate of the juice powder made from these roots that are organically grown under rigorous conditions. It contains no sweeteners or artificial ingredients and is processed with minimal loss of color, flavor, aroma, enzymes and nutrition. And it tastes great.
Return from Carrots to Healthy Foods.
