by Dr. Marli Botha
Mom or Dad used to say: “Finish your carrots and improve your vision.” Which was absolutely true, because the beta carotene in carrots is a decent source of vitamin A, which is vital for eye health. Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children. Not getting enough vitamin A does way worse than getting extra does well. Loading up on carrots, however, is probably not going to grant you better vision…
- Carrots are a good source of carotenoid, which acts as an antioxidant and helps in detoxifying your system. Carotenoids are responsible for the bright colour of carrots. Antioxidants fight with the free-radicals and reduce oxidative stress, thus helps in boosting your metabolism.
- Beta-carotene, is a precursor to active vitamin A, responsible for many of the carrot and carrot juice benefits that we know about today. The Web is packed with studies showing that beta–carotene is crucial for improving immunity in the body, protecting the skin, heart, lungs, brain and eyes.
- Carrots also contain lutein, which is an antioxidant that protects the eye from damaging light. A 1994 study found that lutein was linked to a reduced risk for macular degeneration, an eye disorder that causes vision loss.
- While carrot juice has nutritional and health benefits, it’s important to drink in moderation. Take note that excessive intake of beta-carotene can potentially change the colouring of your skin. If you eat or drink too many carrots or carrot juice, your skin may temporarily develop a slight yellowish or orange tint.
