How Carrots May Prevent Cancer
In research studies, rats fed either raw carrots or even just falcarinol -- an antioxidant extracted from carrots -- demonstrated a delay in the growth of colon tumors. This research is certainly preliminary because rat physiology isn't the same as that of a human, but it shows one possible health benefit of carrots.Carrots conntain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant and a pre-cursor used to make vitamin A in your body, and carotenoid relativies like zeaxanthin and lutein. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants like beta carotene and falcarinol may help to reduce your risk of cancer by preventing damage to the healthy cells of your body.
Carrots for Healthy Vision and a Healthy Body
You need vitamin A for normal vision because one form of vitamin A is concentrated in the retinas of your eyes. The carotenoids found in carrots may help to prevent the progression of macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Since carrots are low in calories and a good source of fiber, they can help you lose weight if necessary - important because obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer.Eat Your Carrots
Carrots can be eat raw or cooked. In fact, boiling carrots actually concentrates the falcarinol so that your body absorbs more. Raw carrots can be added to salads, or served with vegetable dips. Carrots make a healthy substitute for French fries as an accompaniment to sandwiches and burgers.Carrots can be cooked and served as a side dish, with a small amount of butter and nutmeg, or perhaps with a glaze to help picky eaters who are sensitive to the bitter tastes of vegetables. Add carrots to soups and stews to boost the nutrition or roast them right along with your favorite meats. Try these carrot recipes:
Sources
Kobaek-Larsen M, Christensen LP, Vach W, Ritskes-Hoitinga J, Brandt K."Inhibitory effects of feeding with carrots or (-)-falcarinol on development of azoxymethane-induced preneoplastic lesions in the rat colon." J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Mar 9;53(5):1823
National Cancer Institute. "Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention: Fact Sheet." Updated July 2004.
