?Carrots? are the second most popular vegetable after potatoes. The root crop as a universal ingredient is found in every cuisine of the world, it is loved for its pleasant sweetish taste and a lot of useful properties.
Сalories
32 calProteins
1.30 grFats
0.10 grCarbohydrates
6.90 grNutritional value per 100 g. Calories calculated for raw foods.
Glycemic index
25Common allergen
noMake sure that you do not have an individual intolerance to this product.
The homeland of wild varieties of carrots is the territory of Afghanistan, where the first root crops were completely different from those used in cooking now. The vegetable had almost no taste, so only fluffy tops were eaten. The root crop was much more valued in Ancient Greece, where carrots were nicknamed as “carrying love”. According to legend, she received a beautiful name for her ability to make human hearts more merciful and patient.
Later, ancient healers began to attribute healing properties to the vegetable. For example, Hippocrates recommended that every patient consume carrot soups, considering the root vegetable as a means to restore immune strength. And ancient Greek doctors suggested carrots as a remedy for unwanted pregnancy. It is noteworthy that this theory was confirmed by modern doctors, who found molecules in the composition of the vegetable that prevent conception. Since the 13th century, Asians began to cultivate carrots as a garden vegetable, storing it for a “rainy day”. The familiar varieties of orange carrots were cultivated by the Dutch only in the 16th century. The new species was so fond of the people that since then the vegetable has become one of the most popular, yielding to potatoes.
In ancient Russia, the root crop had a ritual significance. Before sending the body of the deceased along the river, they put carrots to him, which should become food for the deceased. In the ancient Russian literary monument “Domostroy” there are several references to the root crop with advice on growing and eating. The vegetable became popular and was grown even in the corners of Moscow! Foreigners in their notes mentioned carrot gardens located around the Russian capital.
The amazing and unexpected properties of carrots are associated with pigments, vitamins and trace elements from its composition. Many people know the orange vegetable only as a fighter against night blindness, but in fact its healing benefits are limited to more than a dozen diseases.
✅ Protection against cardiovascular diseases – the systematic use of the root vegetable helps to fight bad cholesterol, which is a source of plaques and contributes to the development of stroke and heart attack. Potassium reserves obtained by eating a vegetable go to relax blood vessels, which helps to reduce high blood pressure. Subsequently, the load on the heart is reduced and its stable work is maintained.
✅ Strengthening immunity – the vegetable shows its antiseptic properties well in the treatment of mild colds. In addition, vitamin C, which is a lot in the composition of carrots, has an effect on immunity. It supports the activity of leukocytes and interferon, which form the main line of defense against viruses and bacteria.
✅ Improved digestion – the large intestine needs insoluble fiber and coarse dietary fiber, which is enough in fresh carrots. They stimulate the intestinal wall, ensuring the continuous movement of the food bolus. This well-coordinated mechanism is necessary to prevent constipation, which occurs in 10-15% of the adult population due to a diet depleted in fiber.
✅ Cancer prevention – carrot carotene is considered a natural anti-cancer agent that has proven its effect in preventing lung cancer. According to the results of studies, it is possible to trace the relationship in the prevention of oncology and the use of vegetables rich in fiber. Impressive data were obtained when studying the effect of carotene on colon cancer, where the probability of developing oncology in the observed group decreased by 24%.
✅ Eye health – the impact of carrots on visual function is associated primarily with the characteristics of vitamin A. It is involved in the work of visual sticks, and more precisely in the synthesis of rhodopsin. This enzyme provides twilight vision, suffering from a lack of vitamin A.
✅ Oral health – with the active chewing of carrots, food receptors are irritated, in response, the glands produce excess saliva, which has a bactericidal effect. Saliva is involved in the destruction of microbes that cause tooth decay and inflammatory gum disease. Carrots are also good as a safe abrasive. Eating it fresh after the main meal, you can thoroughly clean your teeth from plaque.
✅ Natural cosmetic product – the antibacterial and whitening properties of carrots have been noticed by cosmetologists, which makes this vegetable a popular component of healing creams and ointments. These remedies are effective for the treatment of acne and inflammatory skin rashes. And masks with the addition of root vegetable powder eliminate skin irregularities and help restore the perfect complexion.
✅ Support for men’s health – beta-carotene has found its application for the treatment and prevention of prostate pathologies. Men who consume vegetables in any form are less likely to suffer from symptoms of prostatitis and cancer.
✅ Cholagogue – patients with gallbladder dysfunction should try to include carrots in their diet, which contributes to increased bile excretion. The movement of bile helps to rid the body of toxins, which is beneficial for the health of the liver, intestines and kidneys.
✅ Healthy pregnancy – carrot juice is famous as a product that improves the nutritional quality of breast milk and helps to strengthen the baby’s immunity. During pregnancy, the vegetable maintains reserves of vitamins and minerals, preventing premature birth and its complications.
It is difficult to deny the benefits of a fresh vegetable, but doctors believe that an excess of carrots can provoke the development of side effects. It is especially important to familiarize yourself with the contraindications for those who already have chronic diseases.
❌ Exacerbation of pancreatitis – fresh carrot juice loads the pancreas, facilitating the release of its enzymes. Such an effect should be taken into account by persons with any diseases of this organ.
❌ Aggravation of colitis – fiber is an excellent tool for the prevention of constipation, but for a diseased intestine, it brings more problems than good.
❌ Exacerbation of cholecystitis and hepatitis – carrots are more useful for those who do not have liver and gallbladder diseases. Carotene stimulates the hepatobiliary system, contributing to an increased load on the organs. Subsequently, this process leads to a worsening of symptoms.
❌ Carotenemia is a non-dangerous condition associated with excessive intake of carotene in the body. Carrot lovers may notice the appearance of a yellowish-orange coloration of the palms, feet, and whites of the eyes. This does not bring much harm, but for a person, carotenemia serves as a signal that the amount of carrots on the menu should be reduced.
With these diseases, fresh vegetables should not be consumed in large quantities. It is also worth remembering that carrots are able to absorb fertilizer products, provoking poisoning and allergies.
Almost all varieties of carrots have a sweetish taste with a peculiar fresh smell of its essential oils. In general, the taste depends on the properties of a particular variety, as some of them have a sweeter aftertaste. Fruits stored for more than 6️⃣ months have a grassy flavor.
There is not a single cuisine in the world where carrots are not loved. It is used to make vegetable stews, soups, salads, and some even make chips out of it. Carrots are an integral part of the Uzbek pilaf. In the confectionery business, she got her place as the basis for a biscuit. Carrot cakes are distinguished by moderate sweetness, delicate structure and juiciness of the cakes. In Japan, the taste of the vegetable became popular through the addition of carrot juice to ice cream. Culinary deli have come up with a new use for carrots. Now not only the root crop, but also its tops go to soups, sauces and salads.
In order for the carrots to cook to the end, you need to take into account the peculiarity of cutting and the time interval. A vegetable cut into cubes or circles will be cooked in boiling water in 10-12 minutes, and a whole fruit in 25-30. Carrot sticks will have time to fry in 5-6 minutes, and a whole medium carrot will be baked in 45-50 minutes at 180 ° C. For better absorption, it is advisable to supplement the carrot dish with proteins and healthy fats.
The optimum temperature for storing carrots is +1️⃣-2️⃣°С. For a long shelf life, you should choose hard root crops that do not have spots or cracks. The storage must not be exposed to direct sunlight. You can keep the fruits in wooden boxes, cloth bags or in bulk. Sprinkling fruits with sand or sawdust, which absorb moisture well, helps to prolong storage.
At home, the fruit is perfectly stored in plastic bags and fabric bags. You can also leave carrots on the vegetable shelf of the refrigerator, where they can be stored for up to 3-4 months. If you need to increase this period, then the fruits can be washed, held for a few seconds in a weak solution of potassium permanganate and allowed to dry. Such techniques allow you to save carrots for the longest possible time.