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😉 Greetings to regular and new visitors! The article “Carrots: health benefits and harms, how to choose and store” contains basic information about this wonderful plant. To whom is carrots useful, and for whom it is harmful. How to choose the right one and how to store it.
Carrots are an ancient plant. The first mention of human consumption of this vegetable dates back to the XNUMXst century AD. NS.
Nowadays, all year round, a variety of vegetables is presented on the shelves of markets and shops, among which you will definitely find carrots. There are many types of it. From bright red fruits to purple and black. This vegetable is best known in orange color, which is more carotene.
The chemical composition of carrots
100 grams of fresh carrots contains:
- kcal – 40;
- carbohydrates – 10 g;
- proteins – 0,9 g;
- sodium – 69 mg;
- potassium – 320 mg;
- vitamins – A, C, D, B6, B12;
- trace elements necessary for the body.
Useful properties of carrots
Due to the incredibly large amount of retinol (vitamin A) obtained from the processing of carotene contained in sown carrots, we can talk about its necessity for the health of skin, hair and nails.
Carrots contain a huge amount of minerals and vitamins, which not every vegetable can boast of, and their balance allows the body to easily absorb them.
The beta-carotene contained in carrots is especially useful. Its positive effect extends to the respiratory and circulatory systems of the body. Namely, it relieves inflammation and purifies the blood. Therefore, this orange root vegetable is recommended for colds and viral diseases.
Fiber promotes the production of good cholesterol, which helps to reduce plaque in blood clots, and generally improves digestion and normalizes blood sugar levels. It is advisable to grate fresh carrots.
Carrot juice is useful for our body, but in moderation, made from fresh root vegetables. It increases the hemoglobin in the blood.
Carrot juice is a natural antioxidant that has a preventive effect on oncological diseases. It has a mild diuretic effect.
Carrot tops contain a lot of vitamin C. They are used to treat gums, stomatitis, and skin diseases. Healing tea is brewed from dried tops, an infusion is prepared to cleanse the kidneys and get rid of edema.
Carrots are good for children, but only from the age of 6-7 months.
Harm carrots
Drinking excess carrot juice can lead to headaches and even vomiting. The reason may be diabetes, high acidity or individual intolerance. You do not need to drink it with an exacerbation of a stomach ulcer or inflammation of the duodenum.
If a person eats too many carrots, they may experience yellowing of the skin, especially on the arms and legs. In this case, you should moderate your appetite.
There is an opinion that carrots are contraindicated for smokers, because they contribute to the development of tumors. However, there is a completely opposite point of view, talking about the usefulness of this product for smokers, as it neutralizes nicotine and removes free radicals.
Allergic reactions to this vegetable do not occur often in people, but they do happen. In infants, due to the immaturity of enzymes, it can manifest itself if complementary foods are introduced incorrectly or too early. With heat treatment, the likelihood of such allergies is reduced.
How to choose a carrot
Someone grows root crops in their own garden, someone buys in a store or at the market. When buying this vegetable, it is important not to make a mistake with the choice, because the taste and benefits of the root crop depend on it.
The tops of the carrot should not be sluggish and withered, but bright green – this is an indicator of freshness. The correct shape is a smooth cylinder with a pointed tip.
The optimum can be called the average size, as the most convenient for cooking. Too large fruits are also bad – tough. Thin, early carrots are considered the sweetest, but do not confuse them with the “Baby” variety, because, despite their small size, their taste is not very sweet.
Another important point when choosing is the presence of a green top at the base of the leaves – it should not be like cracks, dents and dark spots. The root crop must be firm and firm to the touch, not soft.
How to store carrots correctly
There are many helpful tips for storing carrots. For example, it is recommended to store this root in slightly damp sand. This method allows it not to dry out, and also protects it from rotting and the action of sunlight. You can also store this vegetable in clay or softwood sawdust.
However, the simplest and most common way is to keep the roots in plastic bags. With this method, it is important to observe the storage humidity, 85-90% is the most optimal condition.
If condensation is observed on the polyethylene, then the humidity should be reduced. The bag or sack of root vegetables must always remain open. This will prevent moisture and carbon dioxide from accumulating inside the bag.
Choosing the right carrot can benefit human health. But you need to eat it in moderation and do not forget about contraindications.
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