Carrots are a favorite vegetable for both adults and children. Learn how to take advantage of all the amazing benefits of this vegetable
Carrots are a versatile vegetable. In fact, they can be eaten both cooked and raw. That’s not all: carrots are also a great ingredient for both sweet and savory recipes. Thanks to their adaptability and unique taste, they are also perfect for making cakes and cupcakes. Let’s not forget that carrots are a real treasure that offers special benefits for health and well-being. They also provide many benefits both raw and cooked.
Calories and nutritional value
Carrots are a perennial plant whose roots we eat. They have a lot of calories: in fact, only 41 kcal per 100 grams. So the calorie content is really incredible and perfect even for someone on a diet. These vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that will keep your skin healthy and beautiful.
First of all, carrots have excellent water content and are a source of important vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E and B complex vitamins. In terms of mineral content, carrots contain potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc and copper.
But more importantly, carrots contain beta-carotene. It is a precursor to vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant and cancer-fighting agent: beta-carotene supports cell growth and benefits the skin, heart and eyes. In addition to beta-carotene, carrots also contain fiber (especially raw carrots), alpha-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin.
Why they are good?
This is why carrots are a healthy food that can be frequently brought to the table or used as a snack. First of all, carrots are good for the intestines, returning them to normal. In fact, this vegetable is almost perfect both as a preventive against dysentery and as a mild laxative against constipation. Carrots can also help with many urinary problems, such as cystitis and stones. Eating carrots is also beneficial for those who have digestive problems or stomach problems, and those who want to cleanse their heart.
Cooked or raw carrots?
One of the best things about carrots in the kitchen is their versatility. In fact, they can be eaten both cooked and raw. Raw whole (peeled), chopped, cut into strips … Alternatively cooked, boiled or prepared in another way (baked, microwaved or steamed).
Raw carrots provide the body with all the essential nutrients, including vitamin C (a vitamin that is lost during cooking, as it is heat-resistant). Cooked carrots, on the other hand, have a higher beta-carotene content. The latter will be better absorbed if you drizzle some raw oil on them.
It is often said that carrots contain a lot of sugar and are therefore not suitable for diabetics. In fact, these are still complex sugars and therefore not as harmful as simple sugars such as fructose. The sugar content of carrots tends to increase (in terms of absorption) when this vegetable is cooked and eaten. Therefore, people who are on a diet and want to control their blood sugar should consume them raw. Raw carrots are also rich in fiber and are very good friends in controlling hunger pangs.
