| Key benefits of carrots Carrots have an extremely high beta-carotene content and have many health benefits, including giving protection against coronary heart disease and several cancers, notably lung cancer. Carrots can also lower blood cholesterol and help guard against food poisoning.
Beta-carotene has been associated with an increased risk for lung cancer in smokers. The three studies that indicated this association did, however, test the association with amounts of beta-carotene that dramatically exceeded the recommended doses.
Normal, dietary beta-carotene intake should be safe (and, in moderate amounts, may protect against cancer). Excessive beta-carotene supplementation could, however, create a problem.
A balanced diet, that includes one portion of carrots (1/2 a cup of grated carrots) per day, should be fine.
How much carrots should you eat?Carrots are low in calories and can therefore be eaten freely. Even just one carrot a day will increase the beta-carotene levels in the body.
Maximising the benefits of carrotsFresh carrots are healthier than carrot juice. Beta-carotene is also not destroyed by the cooking process.
Nutritional values of carrots
| Calories |
35 |
| Carbohydrate |
8g |
| Starch |
0g |
| Sugars |
8g |
| Protein |
<1g |
| Fat |
<1g |
| Glycaemic Index |
high |
| Per 100g |
|
