Carrots, the simple orange root vegetables which are part of so many dishes, are reputed to help improve night vision. The reason for this is that they are high in beta-carotene, which our bodies convert into Vitamin A. That means that carrots are also useful for the skin, the gut and indeed our entire immune system.
However, just isolating one nutrient does not produce the same effect as eating whole carrots. Beta-carotene supplements may be useful for those whose vision is failing, but better still is to eat at least one carrot per day, preferably raw. Indeed, it is impossible to stress too strongly how important it is to eat whole fruits and vegetables daily, particularly those such as carrots with orange pigment.
Carrots may also help reducing cholesterol. This may be another reason that it is a good idea to eat at least one carrot, whole or grated each day. Even cooked carrots may help to reduce cholesterol, so long as your lifestyle is generally healthy.
As for minor ailments: whole raw carrots are crunchy, and can help jaw development and even prevent tooth decay if eaten regularly. They are high in fibre, so may help digestion. Carrots contain potassium, and as such are useful in balancing a sodium-heavy diet which can be common with those who eat fast or pre-processed foods.
Cooked carrots do not contain as many nutrients as raw ones, but are still of some value, particularly if they are lightly roasted or steamed rather than being boiled. For winter colds and flu, warming foods such as carrot soup with ginger and garlic may provide relief.
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