Carrots provide more antioxidants when boiled or steamed than when eaten raw, according to a January 2008 report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. In fact, researchers found that boiling carrots until tender increased the concentration of carotenoids by 14 percent.
When it comes to cooking veggies, most people say that high temperatures reduce their nutritive content. This fact is somewhat true for most veggies but not for beta-carotene in carrots. Carotenoids or beta carotene, are available in abundance in carrots and are more readily available when carrots are cooked.
Researchers found steaming kept the highest level of nutrients. “Boiling vegetables causes water soluble vitamins like vitamin C, B1 and folate to leach into the water,” Magee said.
Cooking and processing carrots releases carotenoids which convert into vitamin A. Vitamin A helps restore and regenerate damaged collagen. We also need vitamin A for healthy skin and mucous membranes, our immune system, and good eye health and vision.
What is the healthiest way to cook carrots? If you're not eating them raw, boiling carrots is the healthiest way to eat them. The only other ingredient needed to boil them is water which adds no fat, calories, or carbs.
Carrots are excellent sources of nutrients like potassium, antioxidants, and vitamin A, among many others. Beta-carotene, a type of carotenoid, is the nutrient that turns carrots orange and also promotes good health.
People can eat them raw, steamed, boiled, roasted, or as an ingredient in soups and stews. Boiling vegetables can reduce or eliminate some of the vitamin content. Raw or steamed carrots provide the most nutritional value.
Thanks to the number of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants packed into each carrot, many experts have elevated this humble veggie to “superfood” status. Here are some fun carrot facts to chew on.
Helps your digestion – Carrots increase saliva and supply essential minerals, vitamins and enzymes that aid in digestion. Eating carrots regularly may help prevent gastric ulcers and other digestive disorders.
Vibrant orange carrots are a healthy addition to your daily diet. They are low in calories, contain no fat and supply significant doses of certain vitamins and minerals.
Is it okay to eat carrots every day? Eating carrots in moderation is good for your health. Eating carrots in excess, however, can cause a condition called carotenemia. This refers to yellowish discoloration of the skin because of the deposition of a substance called beta-carotene that is present in carrots.
Do You Need to Peel Carrots? "There is no need to peel carrots before eating—many people enjoy eating them with the skin on," says Alan Hilowitz, former communications director at Bolthouse Farms. "However, since carrots are grown in the ground, washing/scrubbing is important if you do choose not to peel," he adds.
Carrots Pack Anti-Arthritis Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene
These and other orange-hued vegetables are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, both of which are believed to fight inflammation.
1. Spinach. This leafy green tops the chart as one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables. That's because 1 cup (30 grams) of raw spinach provides 16% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin A plus 120% of the DV for vitamin K — all for just 7 calories ( 1 ).
Carrots are full of vitamins, minerals and fibers that are good for your health. But eating too many carrots can bring in too much beta-carotene the molecule responsible for carrots' bright orange hue and a precursor of vitamin A. This can lead to excess blood carotene which can discolor the skin.
According to a Cleveland Clinic article, dermatologist Melissa Piliang says that regularly eating between 20 to 50 milligrams of beta-carotene per day for several weeks could be enough to turn you orange. This is equivalent to between three and ten carrots a day.
Foods that may help prevent constipation
These foods include: most vegetables, including carrots, peas, broccoli, and okra.
Carrot is higher in Vitamin A RAE, yet Celery is higher in Vitamin K. Carrot's daily need coverage for Vitamin A RAE is 90% more. Carrot has 4 times more Sugar than Celery. While Carrot has 4.74g of Sugar, Celery has only 1.34g.
Leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, are excellent sources of fiber, as well as nutrients like folate, vitamin C, vitamin K and vitamin A. Research shows that leafy greens also contain a specific type of sugar that helps fuel growth of healthy gut bacteria.
The second green to make the list, kale is worth the health hype. “Kale provides a good source of potassium along with calcium and vitamins A, B, C, and K,” Palinski-Wade says.
Lemons. Lemons have been widely regarded in the health industry as the world's healthiest food. The sour fruit is an alkalising powerfood; they have strong anti-inflammatory qualities and can even help to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
"The only food that provides all the nutrients that humans need is human milk," Hattner said. "Mother's milk is a complete food. We may add some solid foods to an infant's diet in the first year of life to provide more iron and other nutrients, but there is a little bit of everything in human milk."