We are all very familiar with the popular phrase ‘Carrot and stick approach’ where Carrot symbolises ‘reward’ usually used as an incentive to improve performance.
True to its reference in the phrase, Carrot is the Jewel of the vegetable kingdom that works silently and need not prove its importance to gain any popularity!
Carrots native to Europe and Southwestern Asia belongs to the root family of veggies. The orange variety is the most common, they are also available in yellow, white, red and purple colours.
The name ‘Carrot’ comes from the Greek word ‘Karoton’ derived from ‘beta carotene’ found in carrots.
Carrots are bursting with beta carotene (a form of Vitamin A) and many antioxidants like lutein, lycopene, substantial amounts of fibre, potassium, vitamin K, small amounts of carbs but negligible fat and calories.
Think of foods that improve vision, and carrots lead the caravan all the way!, but there is much more than this veggie hides in its tough appearance.
Health benefits:
- Carrots boast of many vital nutrients like beta carotene, lutein and lycopene crucial to maintaining a healthy vision throughout life prevent macular degeneration and loss of vision in old age.
- Carrots are rich in fibre thus helping to reduce cholesterol and wade off the risk of heart diseases.
- Carrots are mistakenly debarred in a diabetic diet. They have a low glycemic index, with a high fibre content, which makes up for an excellent veggie to regulate blood sugar in diabetics.
- Carotenoids are specifically known to decrease the risk of many cancers.
- The antioxidant properties also support cell repair mechanisms, improve skin, hair health, exhibit anti-ageing effects and boost immunity.
- Carrots make for a very nutrient-dense but low-calorie option to support weight loss.
Carrots can be used in soups, salads, detox juices, pasta dishes, rice preparations, desserts, veggies any many more recipes. They can be steamed, braised, barbequed, tossed, stir-fried or just consumed in the raw form as crudités. They are also one of the first popular finger foods introduced to kids, owing to their natural sweetness.
One interesting fact is that the beta-carotene in carrots increases many folds when cooked with a little fat.
So put these little masters to good use in your diet; add crunch, taste, colour and health to your food! With a stellar of nutrients to its credit, there’s not much you can really miss if you follow the Carrot Approach!
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