Feeling a little sluggish, bloated and want to give your body a well deserved detox? Then be sure to pop some carrots into your trolley at your next shop.
Carrots are a fantastic detox essential as they’re packed with a powerful antioxidant beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. In fact, of all fruit and vegetables, carrots are actually the best source of beta-carotene - an 80g serving contains more than twice the recommended daily amount (RDA) needed by adults. The antioxidant action of beta-carotene helps to act against age-accelerating free radicals, so can help return that healthy glow to your skin.
In addition, the Vitamin A in carrots is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. This nutrient keeps the skin and cells that line the airways, digestive tract and urinary tract healthy, so they act as barriers and form the body’s first line of defense against infection.
Carrots also have a high fibre content, which helps to keep the digestive system healthy and helps to balance your blood glucose (sugar) levels. An 80g serving of cooked carrots contains 2g fibre, more than a tenth of the recommended daily amount for adults. And don’t worry if you’re not a fan of raw carrots, eating cooked carrots is actually a nutritional bonus. Research published in the European Journal of Nutrition showed that more beta-carotene was absorbed from cooked, puréed carrots than from raw ones.So make sure you pick up a bunch of carrots and get crunching. They’re great as a healthy snack and are endlessly versatile in a range of delicious dishes.
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