22 Surprising Benefits of Carrots for Health, Skin and Hair

Last updated on June 25th, 2020 at 12:13 pm

Eating fresh and green vegetables can help you live a fit, healthy and happy life and carrot is one such vegetable which has a number of health benefits, is easily available and also tastes good. Popularly known as “gajar” in India, this vegetable is one of the widely used ingredients and forms a part of various dishes all over the world. Carrots are a powerhouse of nutrients and have a whole lot of benefits. Be it protecting your heart, eyes, preventing cancer, improving digestion to various skin and hair benefits, the list of advantages and benefits of eating carrots are uncountable. Therefore, keeping its efficiency in mind, today, I thought of sharing with you the top 22 benefits of carrots for health, skin and hair that are worth knowing.

“Daucus carota” or carrots have been there since centuries and are believed to have been first cultivated in the region where the Hindu Kush Mountains and the Himalayas meet. This sweet and crunchy vegetable was of great worth to the ancient Romans and Greeks for its nutritional value and was also highly valued by the great Emperor Tiberius. Carrots belong to the “Umbellifer” family “Apiaceae” and were previously found in black, red, white, yellow and purple color. It is during the Middle Ages, that the bright orange ones came into existence and today are the most common variety found in market.

There is no doubt that carrots are very healthy for our health and is a necessary ingredient in our food chart. We will learn about the various benefits of carrots for health, skin and hair. But just before that, let me discuss about the various nutrients present in carrots that makes them so much beneficial for our health and well-being.

Nutritional value of carrots

Carrots contain lot of nutrients that are very essential for health and beauty. They are rich in vitamins, carbohydrates, fiber, beta-carotene and other antioxidants that strengthen our immune system and help our body fight the various diseases. Moreover, carrots are also a good source of iron, potassium, copper, niacin, manganese, pantothenic acid, phosphorous and folate that further aids in our health being.

However, according to USDA, 100 gram of raw carrots contains:

The above-mentioned chart is based on 2000-calorie diet. It may vary according to your calorie needs. For more details of all the nutrients, you may like to visit USDA website.

Now that you have known the various nutritional values of carrot, it’s time to learn about the various benefits of carrots for healthy, skin and hair.

So are you ready?

I heard you saying yes. So let us get started.

Top 22 benefits of carrots for health, skin and hair

The various antioxidants, minerals and nutrients make carrots a potent ingredient for our healthy living. They protect us from various diseases as well as take care of our skin and hair. Although, the benefits of carrots are uncountable, I have sorted out the top 22 benefits that are most vital for us. So let us start with the health benefits of carrots.

Having good health is the greatest asset that you can hold and carrots will definitely help you in your journey. They protect your heart, eyes, bones, teeth, liver, brain, digestive system and also fight against various deadly diseases like cancer, diabetes etc. Hence, carrot juice is aptly called the “miracle juice” that works wonders to keep you healthy.

Healthy heart

Cardiovascular diseases are very common nowadays and so it is essential to keep your heart healthy. Reports say that the ingredients that contain beta-carotene, lutein and alpha-carotene are beneficial to avoid heart related diseases and with the necessary nutrients present in them, carrots are counted as the ideal health friendly vegetables. The presence of soluble fibers also prevents plaque formation, oxidative stress and regulates cholesterol levels in body. Also, they contain polyacetylenes and carotenoids that further aids to keep your heart healthy. Therefore, do consume carrots on frequent basis and keep all the cardiovascular diseases at bay.

Regulates blood pressure

This point is interrelated with the above point and is another way in which carrots prove to be healthy for your heart. Well, high blood pressure puts your heart at risk and must be kept under control. Carrots are rich in potassium that acts like a vasodilator easing the tension in the arteries and blood vessels. This increases the flow of blood and its circulation, which boosts the functioning of the various organs in body and reduces cardiovascular stress. Besides, the coumarin found in carrots also reduces the hypertension and protects your heart against strokes, atherosclerosis and heart attacks.

Prevents Diabetes

Carrots are good in preventing the occurrence of the fatal disease diabetes. According to studies, the presence of carotenoids in carrots helps to regulate blood sugar levels in human body by inversely affecting the insulin resistance, which helps the diabetic patients to lead a normal lifestyle.

Not just the carotenoids, but according to researchers at “Stanford University School of Medicine”, the beta-carotene content also aids in the cure of Type II Diabetes. Carrots regulate glucose and insulin getting used or metabolized by human body and facilitates healthy fluctuation in the diabetic patients. In fact, even the “American Diabetes Association” considers these “non starchy” vegetables safe for the diabetic patients. And therefore, carrot can be added to the regular diet along with other herbs for a diabetic person.

Prevents cancer

When talking about deadly diseases, cancer must never be missed. This is another leading killer in the world and must be avoided at any cost. Though doctors often say that there cannot be any ideal ingredient for curing cancer, but reports say that many food items like carrots that have the potentiality to prevent cancer or at least resist its ill effects largely. Carrots possess anti carcinogenic properties and have been proved to prevent the risk of prostate cancer. In fact, not just prostate cancer, the presence of falcarinol and poly-acetylene in carrots destroys the pre-cancerous cells in the tumors and reduce the risk of the occurrence of various other cancers like lung cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer etc. Besides, British researchers say that the beta-carotene content in carrots also aids in preventing cancer. Other studies also show that the carrots contain carotenoids, vitamins and phenolic compounds that reduce the risk of gastric cancer by 26%. Therefore, if you want to prevent cancer risk, do incorporate carrots in your diet.

Good for eyes

Eating carrots can be very beneficial for your eye. You can protect your eyes with adequate consumption of carrots. The presence of beta-carotene in carrots makes them an ideal ingredient for eye care. The beta-carotene when goes to the liver get converted into Vitamin A, which in turn converts into rhodopsin in the retina. This helps in night vision and also gives protection against various eye problems like macular degeneration, glaucoma and senile cataracts. Moreover, the Vitamin A content also helps in improving eyesight and prevents night blindness.

Boosts your digestive health

Carrot consumption can boost your digestive system and soothe the process of digestion. The abundance of fiber in carrots adds bulk to the stool that results in the smooth passing of the excreta through the digestive tract. Besides, it regulates peristaltic motion and aids in the process of secretion of the gastric juices. Therefore, the “Department of Pediatrics” at the “University of Michigan” believes carrot consumption is important for people who suffer from the problem of constipation. Also, the Vitamin A content aids your liver to flush out the harmful toxins from body and lessen the accumulation of fat and bile in liver. This detoxifies your body and protects your liver. Carrots also protect your stomach and colon from other fatal diseases like colorectal cancer.

Promotes weight loss

Obesity is a serious issue in today’s life and it must be controlled at your earliest. So, in order to control your body weight, you need to exercise as well as include carrots in your diet. This is because according to study published in the “Journal of Nutrition” in 2006, carrots are high in fiber that gives your fuller feeling for a longer time and hence reduces the overall food intake. Also, they are low in calories and does not let your body store excess fat. Therefore, if you are determined to shed those extra kilos, do include carrots in your food regime.

Dental health

Carrots are good for dental care as they remove the plaque and food particles from your teeth. They also stimulate your gums and facilitate saliva formation, which in turn is alkaline, and balance the cavity causing bacteria. Studies also prove that carrots possess antimicrobial properties that help them get rid of the spoilage bacteria. The other minerals and nutrients found in carrots also fight the harmful germs and check the occurrence of tooth decay, cavity, halitosis and other oral issues.

Good for brain and memory

Netherland researches have shown that people who consume lesser amount of root vegetables like carrots are more prone to cognitive decline in comparison to people who eat them. The beta-carotene present in carrots helps in better retention of memory, protects the central nervous system, and boosts cognitive health. They assist your body to prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s and also aids to fight other cognitive dysfunction. In fact, a study published in the “Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology” showed that carrots are efficient in reducing oxidative stress in the brain that weakens the neuron function and its ability to respond to signals. Besides, the plant compound luteolin present in carrots also helps to reduce the inflammation in the brain and hence is very vital for the aging men and women.

Helps during menstrual and postmenopausal phase

Carrots are extremely beneficial for women. They contain phytoestrogen that helps to ease the menstrual cramps and regulate heavy bleeding during menstrual days. Moreover, they are also good for women who have entered menopause as they help the human body to stabilize the menopausal symptoms, and get rid of the hot flushes or boils that are quite common during this phase.

Good for pregnant women

Well, pregnancy and motherhood is the most beautiful phase in a women life and with it, comes added responsibilities. It is thus important to take care of the little one and carrots can help you do that. In fact, in one article of “IOSR Journal of Applied Chemistry (IOSR-JAC)”, carrot consumption is highly recommended for pregnant mothers. Consumption of carrots or the juice during pregnancy helps in the development of fetus and lessens the risk of miscarriage and fetal infections. Moreover, carrots facilitate breast production and improve its quality, thereby giving your newborn the much-needed nutrients in their vulnerable state.

Bone health

With age, bones become fragile and their susceptibility to breakage increases. In fact, it is a common problem with most post menopausal or middle-aged women. However, with carrots you can strengthen your bones. As you know that calcium and Vitamin C are bone builders, both of which are present in carrots in adequate amounts. Besides, the presence of silicon in carrots contributes to healthy bones. They also contain several other vitamins and nutrients like Vitamins K, Vitamin D, and Vitamin C that helps you maintain bone mineral density. So do eat carrots in adequate amounts for stronger bones.

Heals wounds faster

Carrots have been used for healing wounds since a very long time. This is because the presence of beta-carotene and carotenoids are very efficient in naturally curing wounds faster. So if you want to heal any cut, wound or infection, do consume freshly chopped carrots in salad form or like a juice during that time and reap the maximum benefits out of them.

Lightens your mood

Sounds interesting but yes carrots have the ability to lift up your moods. According to a study by the “Harvard School of Public Health”, the carotenoids found in carrots makes people feel optimistic in comparison to ones who consume lesser amounts of carotenoids. Besides, carrots also improve your mental health and makes you feel strong, stress free and happy.

Skin benefits of carrots

Having glowing gorgeous skin becomes easier with the versatile carrot. This vegetable is not just important to keep your health issues at bay but also fosters skin health. Come let us know how.

Makes your skin glowing

Carrots are loaded with Vitamin C and other antioxidants that makes your skin vibrant and glowing. Besides simply eating carrots, you may also go for some carrot facemask with a bit of honey to get that natural healthy glow on your face.

Treats skin ailments

You already know how efficient carrots are in treating your wounds. In fact, they are good for getting rid of blemishes and scars as well. In addition, the rich Vitamin A content helps to treat pimples, rashes, inflammation, dermatitis and other skin ailments that occur due to deficiency of healthy nutrients. Drinking carrot juice or simply applying carrot pulps on your blemishes will do the trick.

Anti aging effects

If you want to maintain that youthful appearance then carrots are must for you. This is because the Vitamin C content in carrots helps in collagen production, which in turn is important to maintain skin elasticity. It reduces wrinkles and gives you an ageless beauty. Also, the presence of Vitamin A helps your skin fight several other signs of aging.

Protects from ultraviolet rays

Carrots help you protect your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. The beta-carotene present in them converts to Vitamin A inside human body that helps repair skin tissues and protects against harmful sunrays. In addition, the presence of carotenoids and other antioxidants condition your skin, accelerate its immunity against harmful sunrays and heal sunburns faster. So carrot juice in summer acts like natural sun block and hence must be consumed by you.

Natural moisturizer

Potassium content in carrots is extremely important as it naturally hydrates your skin and is extremely beneficial for all mainly for those suffering from dry skin issues. In fact, various carrot facemasks are ideal for all skin types and help you naturally moisturize your skin. You just need to choose the other ingredients as per your skin types.

Hair benefits of carrots

After discussing about the health and skin benefits of carrots, let us now shift our focus on hair, which is another important necessity to maintain good looks. Here are the three main hair benefits of carrots.

Reduces hair fall

Hair loss is a serious issue nowadays as due to so much stress and pollution, we end up losing lots of hair. But not to worry as carrots are loaded with several vitamins and nutrients that can help you combat hair fall issues. They help you make your hair strong and hence reduce hair loss.

Stimulates hair growth

While they can prevent hair loss, they also stimulate the growth of new hair follicles. The important nutrients like Vitamin C and E improves the circulation in the scalp and promotes hair growth. Besides, they also prevent premature graying of your hair.

Improves hair texture

Simply having lots of hair will not do, the quality is also important and that is exactly what carrots do. They not just thicken and make your hair strong, they also makes them shiny, glossy and soft. In other words, your hair gets easily manageable.

Over to you

Carrots are the perfect all rounder that protects us from all aspects. On one hand, they fight various infections and germs and prevent the occurrence of deadly diseases; on the other hand, they are equally efficient in maintaining the beauty quotient by giving us glowing skin and gorgeous hair. In fact, very few natural ingredients possess such versatility and efficiency as that of carrots.

Carrots besides being so useful are very easily available and are also very cheap, that in turn makes them affordable to people who cannot afford very expensive things. So carrots serve the purposes of a greater population and is hence one of the favourite kitchen ingredient we have today.

All the above benefits of carrots are true and are scientifically proven. In fact, I myself have experienced the positive impacts. Therefore, do incorporate carrots in your diet and maintain a fit and healthy life that is worth envying.

Are you a carrot lover? Have you checked out the top 22 benefits of carrots for health, skin and hair? How have carrots benefitted you? Do share me your feedback regarding this article and also feel free to mention any carrot recipe that you think is tasty as well as nutritious.

Until then, stay healthy and do spread awareness regarding the benefits of carrots among all.