Carrots - Daucus Carota
Carrots are a root vegetables that are grown worldwide. The carrot consists of the stem and root. The root has the peel or periderm, the outer cortex, and the inner core. Different parts of the carrot differ in their nutritional profile. They range in color from orange, yellow, reddish, purple to black. In this section we will discuss the nutritional profile and health benefits of carrot consumption.
Nutritional Profile:
The important phytochemicals found in carrots include carotenoids, ascorbic acid, phenolics and polyacetylene.
There are factors that influence the amount and category of phytochemicals. Growth temperatures can influence the carotenoid and sugar content of carrots. Cooler temperatures increase the beneficial phytonutrients, but hotter temperatures may increase the levels of terpenes and contribute to a bitter taste.
The Color of the carrot can also influence the phytonutrients. Orange carrots have higher levels of alpha and beta carotene, anthocyanins in purple carrots, lutein and lycopene in yellow and red carrots and henceforth.
Health benefits:
The various phytonutrients in carrots help in prevention of cancers, heart disease, lipid abnormalities, and have anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
The phenolic compounds may help protect and prevent neurodegenerative disorders. This may be due to the prevention of neurotoxin mediated damage and lessening of neuronal inflammation. The phenolic compounds also protect against free radical mediated oxidative damage.
It is important to note that the peel or periderm contributes to 50% plus percent of the phenolic compound composition, with the remaining in the cortex and core.
The phenolic compounds also help to contribute to the anti-aging effects, blood sugar and lipid modulating effects. The anthocyanins in black carrots may help in the prevention of cancers.
The carotenoids in carrots may help protect the immune system, skin, mucus membrane and vision. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent chronic inflammation and disease states. Lutein in carrots contributes to visual and neuronal health.
The Ascorbic content of carrots play an important role in the metabolism of cholesterol and bile, in the synthesis of collagen, immune health, skin health and protection against free radical mediated oxidant damage.
As detailed above we have reviewed the nutritional profile and benefits of Carrots. I stress again that carrots must be viewed as a food and not a replacement for treatments prescribed by your healthcare provider. As always, I encourage you to keep an emphasis on your health and nutrition and live long and strong!
