Carrots are readily available year-round and can be eaten raw or cooked. They go well in salads and soups, as well as a stand-alone vegetable for snacks and side dishes. As much as we love this veggie in the various preparations, it is said that the best way of having it is in its raw form to make the most of all the essential nutrients that it contains. So apart from tossing it into your salads, enjoy its natural goodness by juicing it up. Here is a carrot juice recipe along with its benefits:
RECIPE-
You need 1 large apple, 6 peeled carrots, ½ inch long piece of ginger, ½ lemon and 1 cup water. Cut apple into medium pieces and remove the core. Peel the carrot and dice into medium pieces. If you are using organic carrot, no need to peel them. Pour 3/4 cup water in a blender jar or a food processor jar or a mixer grinder jar, and mix all ingredients. Blend until smooth puree in the blender, strain and there is your carrot juice ready! Squeeze the lemon over collected juice and stir with a spoon.
BENEFITS-
ORAL HEALTH
Carrots are very good for overall oral health. Carrots stimulate the production of saliva that, being alkaline, balances out acidity and bacteria in the mouth and in turn prevents cavities, halitosis and other oral health problems. Carrots are also a good source of vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant that helps maintain healthy connective tissue, teeth and gums.
ANTI-OXIDANTS
Carotenoids, found in carrots and other orange vegetables, are potent antioxidants that can help reduce your risk of various forms of temporary illnesses and serious chronic diseases. Carrots and carrot juice benefit the immune system by helping to defend the body from free radical damage.
RICH IN VITAMIN A
Vitamin A plays an important role in eyesight. Red-orange coloured foods such as carrots, pumpkins and melons contain a pigment known as beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A when consumed by the body. This then helps in maintaining good eyesight apart from other health benefiting properties.
GLOWING SKIN
The presence of antioxidants and essential minerals such as potassium contribute to preventing cell degradation, thereby keeping your skin healthy and young. These nutrients also protect your skin against dryness, improving skin tone and reducing scars and blemishes.
GOOD VISION
The first and foremost health benefit of carrots is healthy vision. Carrots contain a high amount of vitamin A, which has a direct impact on eyesight. Plus, the beta-carotene present in carrots has been shown to protect against macular degeneration, glaucoma and age-related cataracts.
CHOLESTEROL AND BLOOD SUGAR
Carrot juice works as a miracle in maintaining cholesterol and blood sugar levels, thanks to its potassium content. It is low in calories and sugar content and the essential vitamins and minerals present in it collectively work to prevent diabetes.