6 Health Benefits of Eating Carrots

This orange vegetable is commonly known as gajar and available in other colors like red, purple, yellow and white. The orange color of carrots is due to the presence of beta-carotene. This is an antioxidant that gets converted to vitamin A when you eat it. It is the ideal vegetable for winters because of its umpteen benefits. Carrot comes with the goodness of lycopene, alpha-carotene, anthocyanins and polyacetylenes.

# Reduces Cholesterol

Among various winter seasonal fruit and vegetables, carrot is an important one to eat. Research reveals that having carrot improves your antioxidant levels [1]. This destroys free radicals and prevents plaque buildup in your arteries. Carrots are rich in soluble fiber that helps your body excrete bile acids. This lowers your blood cholesterol.

# Improves Vision

Carrots are rich in carotenoids that promote healthy vision. Beta carotene in carrots converts to vitamin A once you consume it. This vitamin is a vital nutrient that helps you reproduce, grow and boost your immune system. A deficiency of vitamin A can cause vision-related problems. Both beta and alpha carotenes act as powerful antioxidants in your body. These lower the risk of heart diseases and cancer too. Consuming this vegetable in the form of winter soups and winter desserts is great for health.

# Reduces Weight

Being a low-calorie vegetable, carrots are the best options to try if you want to shed those extra kilos. Having them satiates you for a longer period without the need to worry about calorie increase. Blend it into a soup or munch it in the form of carrot sticks to enjoy its amazing weight loss benefits.

# Boosts Your Immune System

Carrot contains vitamin C and A, which play vital roles in improving your immunity. Another reason they help boost immunity is that carrots contain antioxidants. Regular intake of this vegetable helps in building a strong immune system. In fact, this is the best nutrient therapy for health!

# Promotes Digestion

The soluble fiber present in this vegetable promotes healthy bowel movements. Having carrots strengthens your digestion and keeps your blood glucose levels in control. The presence of fiber in carrots makes it suitable even for diabetic patients. Another reason it is ideal for diabetics is that carrots have low glycemic index.

# Lowers Blood Pressure

Carrots contain potassium that helps in relaxing your arteries and blood vessels. This helps in proper blood circulation that helps reduce blood pressure. As a result, your cardiovascular health improves. This further reduces the risk of heart ailments.