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Although carrots are the superhero of winter veggies, they are now available throughout the season. In winter, we hunt for the red ones that grace the vegetable market. However, during this time, orange carrots are generally found. Whether it is the sumptuous mixed vegetable, the aromatic carrot pulao, or the warm and sweet carrot halwa, the versatile root vegetable always wins our hearts.
Carrots are a rich source of essential nutrients, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet. Carrots are particularly renowned for their high levels of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and a robust immune system. In addition to vitamin A, carrots provide a spectrum of other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and fibre, which contribute to digestive health.
These nutrients, coupled with their low-calorie content, make carrots an excellent choice for promoting overall well-being. Incorporating carrots into one's diet not only enhances health but also adds a burst of colour and flavour to meals.
There are multiple health benefits that carrots provide. Take a look at them:
- Helps Manage Weight
Carrots are high in fibre, which aids in promoting a feeling of fullness and satiety. This can help reduce overall calorie intake by curbing unnecessary snacking and overeating. Additionally, the fibre in carrots supports a healthy digestive system, preventing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements.
Moreover, the natural sugars in carrots provide a mildly sweet taste, which can be a healthier alternative to sugary snacks, helping to satisfy cravings without adding excessive calories. Furthermore, the low glycemic index of carrots means they have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels, preventing energy spikes and crashes that often lead to overeating.
- Improves Digestion
Fibre is a key component that aids in digestion by adding bulk to the stool, preventing constipation, and promoting regular bowel movements. This not only contributes to gastrointestinal comfort but also helps in the prevention of digestive disorders.
Carrots also contain natural compounds, such as antioxidants and phytochemicals, that support the health of the digestive tract. These compounds help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, potentially lowering the risk of digestive issues. Additionally, the soluble fibre in carrots can serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria, thus fostering a balanced and diverse gut microbiome, which is essential for overall digestive health.
- Keeps Skin Healthy And Glowing
Carrots are renowned for their ability to contribute to healthy and glowing skin, primarily owing to their rich concentration of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for skin health as it supports the repair and maintenance of skin tissues, helping to keep the skin soft and supple.
It also plays a role in regulating skin cell production, reducing the risk of conditions like acne and premature aging. Carrots are also packed with other essential nutrients, like vitamin C, which promotes collagen production, further enhances skin elasticity, and reduces wrinkles. The antioxidants in carrots help combat free radicals that can cause skin damage and contribute to a dull complexion.
- Better Vision
Carrots are often associated with better vision, and this connection is rooted in their rich content of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining and improving eye health. It plays a crucial role in the formation of rhodopsin, a pigment in the retina that aids in low-light and colour vision.
Carrots also contain other beneficial nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids that act as antioxidants and are known to help protect the eyes from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
- Supports Heart Health
The presence of high fibre content helps lower cholesterol levels and maintain healthy blood pressure, both of which are crucial factors in heart health. The soluble fibre in carrots binds to cholesterol molecules, preventing their absorption and promoting their elimination from the body.
Furthermore, the potassium in carrots plays a role in regulating blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium and promoting vasodilation. Carrots are also rich in antioxidants, including beta-carotene and flavonoids, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the cardiovascular system, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
6 Ways To Store Carrots To Prolong Shelf Life
We often buy carrots in bulk, which can lead to the fast spoilage of those not kept properly. Thus, it is essential to store carrots properly for future use. Here are some tips that help us keep carrots for a long. Take a look:
- Avoid Marks Or Blemishes
While buying carrots, if you find marks or blemishes on them, immediately reject them. Choose fresh carrots that are not bruised or tender to increase their shelf life. Also, avoid selecting the ones with no aroma. Remember to pick the medium-sized ones to avoid excess stalk
- The Water Trick
Trim the fresh carrots from both ends and peel them. Take a container and dip it after filling it with water. There is no need for an airtight or fancy container. Any container will do. Just remember to change the water for 2-3 days for the carrots to stay crisp.
- Zip It, Lock It
Peel, chop, and store the carrots in a convenient zip-lock bag. Pre-cut carrots not only save time but also fasten the process of cooking. You can easily grab them when cooking at any particular time.
- Boil And Freeze
For a longer shelf life, boil, peel, and cut carrots lengthwise. A quick dip in boiling water for 3 minutes does the trick. Plunge them in cold water, followed by boiling, to halt the cooking process. Once dry, store them in zip-lock bags and then freeze them.
- Store In Sand Or Sawdust
For longer storage, bury the carrots in damp sand or sawdust in a container. Make sure they are kept in cool and well-ventilated places. This helps maintain the crispness and freshness for several weeks.
- Refrigerate Properly
If you plan to store carrots for a shorter period of time, place them in the vegetable crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Store them in a perforated plastic bag or wrap them in a damp paper towel to preserve their moisture.
