Carrots are delicious vegetables that come in a range of colors. In particular to purple fruits and vegetables, purple carrots are incredibly eye-catching and have unique health benefits.
Both carrot forms are highly nutritious, but purple carrots are incredibly rich in potent antioxidants known to combat inflammation and profit from some health conditions.
This blog shows you the advantages of purple carrots! Check them out here!
Purple Carrots are Rich in Antioxidants
It has a particular antioxidant known as anthocyanins, which belongs to polyphenols, commonly found in blueberries, blackberries, purple cabbage, purple potatoes, etc.
This unique antioxidant protects our body from oxidative stress caused by an imbalance in our system between free radicals and antioxidants. Oxidative stress can lead to major health issues like as mental deterioration, aging, cancer, heart disease, etc.
Prevents Heart Diseases
Apart from being abundant in anthocyanins, purple carrots also have specific anti-inflammatory properties that help keep heart diseases at a distance. It also aids decrease the production of bad blood cholesterol.
For people with diabetes, the purple carrot is helpful because of the availability of various vitamins and minerals. It helps improve the level of insulin in the blood and keeps the glucose in check.
Suitable for Weight Loss
Purple carrots are low in calories and high in dietary fibers, making it an ideal diet for people who want to lose weight or maintain a healthier lifestyle.
In a savory or sweet dish, purple carrots may be eaten raw or baked.
They give you a satiated feeling as it induces hormones such as peptide YY that provide a sense of fullness. Therefore, it prevents you from getting an unhealthy snack.
Fights Cancers
A group of researchers from the University of Maryland Department of Nutrition and Food Science studied the chemopreventive effects of anthocyanin extracts against colon cancer from different natural sources and found that all anthocyanin extracts could inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells.
Research also indicates that lutein, the critical carotenoid in purple carrots, may provide protection against colon cancer.
Keeps Eyes Healthy
You may have learned that bilberries (wild blueberries) are healthy for your eyes, but other foods rich in anthocyanin, such as purple carrots, may also improve your eye health.
Studies indicate that anthocyanins can support vision in various ways, such as by improving night vision, increasing circulation within the retina capillaries, combating macular degeneration, and reducing the risk of diabetic patients suffering from retinopathy.
But the high levels of anthocyanin in purple carrots are not the only reason why, if you care for your eyes, you may want to snack on these purple goodies; lutein in purple carrots is also known for its protective qualities for eye health.
Lutein is widely used as a preventive treatment for age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and retinitis pigmentosa often referred to as "the eye vitamin."
Aids Vascular Health
Suppose you are suffering from venous insufficiency or varicose veins and trying to minimize varicose veins by dietary change, it may be a good start to add purple carrots and other foods containing anthocyanins to your diet.
By neutralizing enzymes that kill connective tissue, by restoring damaged proteins in the blood vessel walls, and promoting circulation and overall vascular system health, anthocyanins help treat varicose veins.
Adding Carrots in Your Diet: Here's How
Not only are purple carrots nutritious, but they are also versatile and delicious vegetables that can be used in a range of dishes. They taste similar to other types of carrots and can be prepared in the same way.
Here are some ideas for you!
- Add to the salads and chop, grate, or shave.
- Roast with olive oil, salt, and pepper, whole or sliced.
- Cook and stir in some homemade hummus.
- Grate and apply to the products that are baked.
- Cut and serve with a delicious dip.
- For juices and smoothies, add them.
- Dehydrate the slices and enjoy the potato chips as a nutritious option.
- Dice and add to other dishes and stir-fries.
- Spiralize and use pesto to toss.
- Grate and toss to create a slaw with olive oil and fresh herbs.
- For soups, stews, and broths, add them.
- Steam and cover like harissa with a flavorful spice blend.
Conclusion
Purple carrots have a fantastic variety of vitamins, minerals, and healthy plant compounds that can, in many ways, benefit your health.
Eating purple carrots can improve the heart's health, promote weight loss, and decrease the risk of inflammation and some cancers. Start adding this veggie in your diet now!
