The Benefits of...Carrots!

What do you think of when you hear the word carrots? I know I think about a beautiful orange vegetable, crunchy and sweet in salads and delicious when juiced. I hope that your thoughts are this positive! If you do not like carrots, I have great news for you: you can learn to like them! I had never liked carrots until a few years ago when I made myself eat a few a week because of the wonderful health benefits. Now I love carrots, and they are one of my favorite vegetables. You can do this too, if you diligently eat 3 or 4 carrots a week, and then gradually increase the amount as you grow to like them.

Here are just a few of the wonderful health benefits surrounding carrots:

-Improved Vision-

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into Vitamin A when it gets to the liver. In the retina, Vitamin A is converted into a pigment called rhodopsin, which is necessary for night vision.

-Cancer Prevention-   

Recent studies have shown that carrots are rich in falcarinol, which is an antioxidant that has anti-cancer properties. Carrots help prevent breast cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer.

-Healthy Skin-

The Vitamin A and antioxidants in carrots protect the skin from sun damage. Vitamin A prevents premature wrinkles, acne, dry skin, and uneven skin tone.

-Healthy Teeth and Gums-

Raw carrots clean your teeth and gums as you crunch and munch away. The minerals in carrots prevent tooth decay.

-Stroke Prevention-

Recent studies from Harvard University claim that people who ate 6 or more carrots a week were much less likely to suffer from a stroke than people who ate only a few carrots a month.

So eat as many carrots as you want, and remember to thank Jesus for giving us such a healthy and delicious vegetable!

For His Glory,

Elyse