Strangely, my love for eating carrots is associated with Bugs Bunny. Thanks to cartoons, we millennials grew fond of healthy foods. This vibrant orange and crispy root vegetable are not only sweet and delicious but also hold enormous amounts of nutritional benefits. This vegetable is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which makes it a valuable asset to your health. Let’s explore the benefits that carrots offer.
1. Rich In Nutrients
As mentioned above, carrots are power packed with nutrients. As per research, carrots are an excellent source of beta carotene, which our body converts into Vitamin A. Carrots also contain vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and fibre and all these nutrients are beneficial for overall health.
2. Promotes Eye Health
Since I was four years of age, I have had spectacles and since then my doctor has told me to eat carrots and boy, it has worked well for me. Promoting eyesight is one of the most well-known and important benefits of carrots. Beta carotene, which converts into vitamin A, is found in carrots which helps to protect the surface of our eyes. Study says carrots can improve poor night vision and can even prevent conditions like night blindness.
3. Boosts Immunity
Being rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, carrots help in boosting the immune system. Vitamin C helps in fighting off several infections and keeps you healthy. According to a study, the antioxidants in carrots can help fight cancer and can even help to prevent certain types of cancer and heart diseases.
Also read: Expert Lists How Consuming Black Carrots Can Benefit Your Health
4. Aids Digestion
The fibre content in carrots helps in improving your digestive health. Fibre helps in smoothing the stools which helps in easing the bowel movements. Incorporating carrots in your diet can help you aid constipation and promote regular bowel movements.
5. Promotes Healthy Skin
Carrots contain antioxidants in abundance and they help in protecting your skin from the free radicals. Antioxidants combat free radicals, which lead to ageing, and prevent them from causing any cell damage. Notably, the vitamin A in carrots can prevent dry skin and helps in improving skin tone.
Also read: Here's How Drinking Carrot Juice in the Morning May Reduce the Risk of Cancer
This International Carrots Day, try the Tridoshic carrot soup to gain the maximum benefits from this amazing vegetable. Here’s the recipe of Tridoshic soup by Smita Naram, Co-founder of Ayushakti.
Tridoshic Carrot Soup Recipe
As we celebrate International Carrot Day 2024 today, here is a delightful and nourishing Carrot Soup recipe for you all. This soup is not only delicious but also tridoshic, i.e, it is suitable for all body types according to Ayurvedic principles.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of ghee
- 2 pounds of carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 onions, chopped small
- 1 tablespoon of finely grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon of finely grated garlic
- 1 teaspoon of jaggery
- 4 cups of water
- 3/4 cup of reduced-fat coconut milk (optional if you want the soup to be creamy)
- 1 bunch of coriander, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large soup pot, heat the ghee over medium heat
2. Add the chopped onions, salt, grated ginger, garlic, and jaggery. Cook for 5-10 mins, till the vegetables get soft
3. Add the chopped carrots and water and then bring to a simmer. Cover it and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook until the carrots are very tender, approximately 20 minutes
4. Puree the soup in a blender until smooth. You can do this in multiple batches
5. Return the pureed soup to the pot, stir in the coconut milk, and heat gently over medium-low heat until hot
6. Sprinkle salt and pepper as per taste
7. Before serving, sprinkle individual servings with chopped coriander
Enjoy this delicious Carrot Ginger Soup for a light and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Carrots contain plenty of nutrients and offer a wide range of health benefits. You can juice it up, make soup from the above recipe, you can add them in your salad or you can even eat it raw. Incorporate this healthy vegetable in your diet and grab all the health benefits it offers to boost your overall health.