When it comes to nutrient-rich drinks, carrot and beetroot juices are among the healthiest options. Both contain all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can complement any diet. But when pitted against each other, which one offers the most benefits for your health?
In an exclusive with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth we asked our expert, Pooja Singh, Dietician at ShardaCare, Health City - Noida, the same and here is a detailed explanation of their nutritional profiles, health benefits, and specific use cases to help you decide which juice suits you best.
“Carrots are known for their rich content of beta-carotene, a vitamin A precursor that helps in maintaining vision, skin health, and immune functions. On the other hand, beetroot is highly prized for its natural nitrates, which ensure better blood flow and improved cardiovascular health,” expert Pooja explained.
Health Benefits of Carrot Juice
Here are a few health benefits of carrot juice:
1. Improved Vision
The beta-carotene in carrots converts into vitamin A, which is required for good vision and helps prevent age-related macular degeneration.
2. Skin Health
Antioxidants in the juice protect carrot skin cells, which helps improve collagen production as well as prevent damage to maintain a healthy young glow.
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3. Supports Immunity
Carrots are rich in vitamins A and C, both of which give your body additional strength to fight infections more effectively.
4. Improves Digestive Health
Although the fibre content in juices is compromised, the potassium in them plays a role in improving the gut health and digestive system.
Health Benefits of Beetroot Juice
Alternatively, here are a few health benefits of consuming beetroot juice:
1. Cardiovascular Health
Consuming beetroot juice regularly helps lower blood pressure and improve the functionality of blood vessels, thereby significantly reducing the occurrence of heart-related conditions.
2. Enhanced Athletic Performance
Beetroot is rich in nitrates which improves the oxygen delivery to muscles, in turn boosting stamina and endurance during workouts.
3. Liver Detoxification
Betalains in beetroot juice support liver function since they help flush out toxins from the body leading to a natural liver detoxification.
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4. Brain Health
Improved blood flow from nitrates of beetroot juice enhances cognitive function and may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
When to Choose Carrot Juice
If you’re looking to improve your vision or skin health, carrot juice is an excellent choice. The juice has a subtly sweet taste that can be well combined with other juices, hence its versatility. It is also an option to consider if you want to boost your immunity during the season of colds and flu.
When to Choose Beetroot Juice
Consume beetroot juice if you wish to strengthen your physical performance or help you lower your blood pressure. It is also appropriate for those focused on cardiovascular well-being or the detoxification process of the liver. The earthy taste takes some getting used to but does pair well with citrus juices as a balancing element.
Can You Mix Them Together?
We asked expert Pooja if we could mix the two juices together for added benefits and she said, “Absolutely! Mixing carrot and beetroot juices together is a nutrient-dense powerhouse. The sweetness of carrots balances the earthiness of beets, resulting in a delicious and healthful blend.” She also suggested adding a splash of ginger or lemon for extra flavour and benefits.
Bottomline
Both carrot and beetroot juices have health benefits that make one better than the other regarding your own health goals. Carrot juice is excellent for vision health or any skin health issues and beetroot juice is great for cardiovascular or athletic performance arena. Still, combining both juices into the diet means getting the best of the two worlds. Hence, why choose one when you can have both? Mix them, alternate between the two, or tailor your choice to your health needs.