Carrot Health Benefits + Nutrition Info

Do carrots help you see better in the dark? Probably not, but the carrot is a weight-loss friendly food high in vitamins A and K as well as antioxidants and other nutrients. Known for improving eye health, reducing cancer risks, and lowering cholesterol, you need more carrots in your life!

Were your parents right about carrot health benefits?

Well, yes and no. Did your parents tell you repeatedly to eat your carrots because they’re good for you? Did they tell you they could help you see in the dark? Well, they can’t actually help you see in the dark (we don’t think anyway!), but the powerful and delicious carrot is very healthy for you, just like mom and dad said! From eye health, to heart health, to gut health, the carrot is a superfood you should be including in your daily diet!

What can carrots do for you?

1. Reduce the Risk of Cancer: Carrots are high in antioxidants and studies have shown that foods high in antioxidants can help fight off the risk of certain forms of cancer.
2. Maintain Eye Health: Although they can’t help you see better in the dark, carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the liver which promotes vision health. Beta-carotene has also been shown to protect against macular degeneration and cataracts.
3. Heart Health: In large-scale studies, carrots are often included in many yellow/orange vegetables and analyzed for their health benefits to your body. While these studies have not specifically focused on carrots, they still provide evidence about carrots and their cardiovascular benefits.
4. Promote Healthy Skin and Reduce Signs of Aging: Vitamin A and antioxidants, both of which we’ve covered are high in carrots, protect the skin from sun damage. Deficiencies of vitamin A cause dryness to the skin, hair, and nails. Vitamin A prevents premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, and uneven skin tone.
5. Detox Your Body: Vitamin A assists the liver in flushing out the toxins from your body. The fiber present in carrots helps to cleanse the colon and assists in waste movement.

Need new carrot recipes? Try these:

• This 30-Minute Carrot Ginger Soup is pure comfort food full of all of your favorite seasonal flavors. This cheap healthy meal is the perfect quick weeknight dinner.
• Caramelized Roasted Carrots are the perfect light side dish to serve with chicken or fish. Just four simple ingredients turn these fresh carrots into an amazing side dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests.
• Every fork full of this Asian Ribbon Salad has something delicious to offer! Ribbons of crunchy rainbow carrots, refreshing cucumber, nutty peanuts, and sweet and sour sesame-soy dressing! What’s not to love?

We hope you love these interesting health facts and recipes as much as we do. If you love these recipes, try our other carrot recipes too. For daily recipe inspiration, subscribe to our newsletter, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Pinterest. Enjoy!

Disclosure: The author of this article is not a trained medical professional, nor a dietician. All of the information in this post is based on research, doctor recommendations, and personal experience.