Today, we will talk about the health benefits of carrot juice but first, a little history lesson and some fun facts about it.
Carrot is one of the oldest vegetables to grace the earth. Originally, the first carrot known to human beings was cultivated in the Hindu Kush and Himalayas in the 130 BCE.
It was introduced in the 10th century in Asia Minor and Persia, and is a part of the wild carrot.
It is believed that carrots had white or purple thin roots, and after a mutation occurred, a race of yellow colored carrots were produced, which later developed into orange colored carrots.
Interesting Facts About Carrots
- There are more than hundred species of carrots (the most common ones are the yellow and orange carrots)
- The word “carrot” was added to the English language in 1538, in a book of herbs
- Carrot is called “karoton” in Greek and refers to the beta-carotene, which is found in it. In fact, the term was coined in because of the carrot itself
- Carrot does not grow in warm regions, especially in summer
- Carrots are able to mature within 70 days, if they receive the right temperature
- The beta-carotene in carrots is the cause behind all its benefits
Now that you know the basics about carrots, let’s have a look at what carrot juice offers.
The Nutritional Value of Carrot Juice
Carrot Juice Health Benefits
US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health hold more than 2,000 studies on carrot juice.
There are dozens other websites that offer great insight into carrot juice and prove its health benefits.
There are more than a dozen health benefits of carrot juice from improving eyesight to increasing metabolism, lowering cholesterol and more.
To help you understand how carrot juice adds your health, we have explained the top benefits in great detail and each one of them are backed by a study.
1. Stronger Vision
“A cup of carrot juice a day, improves your eyesight every day.” Well, nobody says that but you should definitely start thinking about carrots in this way.
As mentioned earlier, carrots contain beta-carotene, which is converted into Vitamin A inside the body. It is considered the most powerful antioxidant, which contributes to eye health.
Vitamin A not only protects the retina but also prevents eye problems such as cataract, blindness and macular degeneration. Carrots contain lutein, which prevents vision loss by protecting the cornea form damaging light.
Since the body cannot produce lutein on its own, it relies on leafy greens and carrots. Yes, next to leafy greens, carrots contain the highest amount of beta-carotene, which is why it is quite beneficial for eye health.
2. Improves Skin Disorders
Who isn’t fed up of psoriasis and rashes? Well, here’s some good news for you: it’s possible that carrot juice might help you to improve your skin. Moving on to the other nutrients of carrot, the Vitamin C in it has healing properties, which helps with skin recovery.
Drinking a glass of carrot juice a day might help you to heal faster from external trauma. It also boosts the immune system, which eliminate underlying skin infections.
One problem that many people encounter after a wound is that the surround skin area becomes inflamed. Where Vitamin C helps with the healing, beta-carotene reduces inflammation and together, the wound closes faster and heals without contracting any infections.
- Reduces Scars and Dryness
Carrot juice comes to the rescue for people who have lifeless, dull and dry skin. It not only improves your skin tone but also reduces the appearance if scars. Since carrot is high in water content, it keeps you hydrated and your skin moisturized.
- Prevents Acne
Acne is caused by impurities in the body and the oil (sebum) your skin produces. Using chemical creams can sometimes have the opposite effect and if your skin is sensitive to these elements, the overproduction of sebum can cause breakouts.
Go the natural way and drink a glass of carrot juice every day. When your body is hydrated, the oil glands receive the signal that it no longer needs sebum to fight bacteria. Since carrot contains all the essential vitamins, it prevents acne through detoxification.
- Controls Sun Damage and Fights Aging
Are you one of those people who lather themselves with SPF 30 when going to the beach? Keep it up because skin protection is important and the UV rays not only affect your skin but also contribute to aging. The beta-carotene in carrot juice helps reduce sunburn. When this antioxidant is converted to Vitamin A, it slows down cell degeneration, which in turn slows down aging.
This happens largely due to an improvement in the collages amount in the skin that keeps it healthy and firm. Vitamin A maintains the skin’s elasticity and reduces signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging skin.
3. Increases Your Metabolism
Carrot juice contains a large amount of B Vitamins, especially riboflavin, thiamine and Vitamin B6. These vitamins are important for proper metabolic function, as well as other organs functions. Its sugar content is low, which means that you can consume it without feeling guilty and drop a few pounds.
The increase in metabolism is a result of increase in bile secretion. This process converts food into energy faster by breaking down glucoses, protein and fat. Fast metabolism is linked to a number of benefits such as muscle buildup and reduced depression and stress.
There’s also phosphorous that not only boosts the metabolic rate but also ensures optimal energy use during workout and decreases pain after the workout. When we talk about metabolism, a common problem that most people encounter is feeling bloated.
The buildup of gas causes stomach pain, which leads to other problems. This is where carrot juice comes in to provide you relief. The high water and low sugar content in carrot allows you to pass this gas, which lowers the pressure on your intestines.
It also aids in regular peristaltic motion, which prevents constipation. All in all, carrot juice allows you to avoid gastric problems, which can reduce the risk of digestive disorders and gastric ulcers.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure
A cup of carrot juice contains 698 mg potassium. You need to consume around 4,700 mg of potassium daily. If you do the math, then carrot juice provides you with 15% of the daily recommended potassium intake. It prevents hypertension, which aids in lowering the blood pressure. Potassium acts as a vasodilator, which helps ease tension in the arteries and blood vessels. This ensures that blood is flowing and circulating properly. As a result, there’s less risk of cardiovascular problems because the stress on heart is greatly reduced. The American Heart Association recommends eating a diet rich in potassium and fiber, and lower in sodium. Based on this, carrots are an excellent choice to follow this advice.
5. Anticancer Potential
The carotenoids in carrot juice can help reduce risk of breast, colon, prostate and bladder cancer. The antioxidants in carrot juice prevent cancer cells from multiplying and even stop cell damage. In fact, pure and concentrated juice can show positive results in just 72 hours, which has been proven in a study. Men can protect themselves from prostate cancer by maintaining a diet high in beta-carotene.
The beta-carotene reduces oxidative stress and prevents mutation of cancerous cells. Consuming carrot juice increases carotenoids in the blood, which reduces inflammation. Even though the fiber content in carrot juice is no that high but combined with the antioxidants, it can help reduce the risk associated with colon cancer.
6. Improves Cognitive Function
The oxidative stress mentioned above is also responsible for neurodegenerative diseases. The beta-carotene in carrot juice fights cell damage, which is what weakens the nerve signaling. Drinking carrot juice daily can boost your memory, reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and prevent cognitive decline.
7. Improves Oral Health
Carrot juice helps strength your immune system. It fights all bacteria and toxins that enter your mouth and prevent them from causing any harm. The minerals found in carrots contain an antibacterial effect that prevents too decay and cavities. Moreover, the fiber content flushes away bacteria and ensures that your immune system works in top condition.
8. Regulates Blood Sugar Level
Carrot juice contains carotenoids, which helps with insulin resistance. People suffering from diabetes can take great advantage of carrot juice as it is low in sugar. The antioxidants regulate insulin and glucose, which allows the body to better metabolize it and thus regulating the blood sugar.
9. Enhances Bone Health
The minerals phosphorous, magnesium, potassium and calcium work wonders for bon health. Vitamin K helps with calcium binding, which allows the body to heal faster from broken bones. Drinking a glass of carrot juicy daily can help prevent onset of osteoporosis at a young age.
10. It’s Beneficial for the Female Reproductive System
It is said that carrot juice works as an emenagogue (an herb that stimulates blood flow in the uterus and pelvic area). This helps regulate heavy bleeding during menses and relives menstrual cramping. Carrot juice is also quite beneficial for menopausal women. The same herb-like effect helps relive hot flushes.
The diuretic effect of carrot juice reduces bloating in women who are pregnant. The calcium, potassium, magnesium, Folate and Vitamin A content helps the fetus develop strong cartilage and bones, prevents birth defects, boosts the immune system and protects the fetus as well as the mother from free radicals.
People Also Ask
Have questions about carrot juice? We have come up with the most common questions that people ask about juicing and carrots. Keep reading to find the answers to your questions.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Carrot Juice?
Carrot juice delivers more health benefits and a burst of nutrients compared to eating carrots, which is why it is one the best vegetables for juicing. It not only maintains optimal health but the high-level of beta-carotene content and Vitamin K helps promote good vision and bone health, support growth and healthy immune function, and prevent blood coagulation[h1] .
A cup of carrot juice, which comes from three carrots provides are number of other nutrients to such as Vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. In fact, carrot juice provides 3 times more the recommended intake of Vitamin A, which is important for growth.
How Much Carrot Juice Should You Drink a Day?
Harvard School of Public Health recommends you should get at least 10% of your daily recommended calorie intake from juices. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, around 400 calories are consumed by adults aged 19 and above. So, if you are having a glass of carrot juice, limit it to 4 oz, which provides 45 calories.
What Is the Best Time to Take Carrot Juice?
Carrot juice gives you an energy boost, a high of sorts that you can ride on all day long. It detoxifies the body and provides relief from mental fatigue. The best time to drink carrot juice is in the morning to keep yourself energized. As mentioned earlier, carrot juice destroys bacteria, which is why it is recommended that you hold a mouthful for a few seconds and then swallow it. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach in the morning jump starts the production of acid. On the other hand, a glass of carrot juice can get rid of the stomach acid and prevent bloating.
Is It Better to Drink Carrot Juice or Eat Carrots?
The only disadvantage of juicing carrots over eating raw carrots is that you lose the fiber content. However, carrot juice contains a concentrated amount of vitamins and minerals, which provides better and faster benefits. Instead of eating one carrot and feeling full, you can consume three carrots in the form of juice, which amounts to one glass.
What Happens If I Drink Carrot Juice Every Day?
Drinking a glass of carrot juice daily can boost your immune system and protect your body from numerous diseases that are caused by bacteria. Carrot juice contains Vitamin K, potassium, Vitamin B6 and phosphorous, which are essential for good conditioning of your brain, nervous system and brain. The potassium content maintains the blood sugar level and cholesterol. All in all, it will keep you energized all day long and improve your health from head to toe.
Which Fruit Juice Is Best For Face Glow?
Beetroot and carrot juice are considered beauty elixirs when it comes to juicing. Carrot contains Vitamin A, which fights acne, uneven skin tone, pigmentation and wrinkles. Beetroot contains Vitamin C, manganese, folic acid, zinc, iron and potassium, all of which purify blood and give a glowing skin.
Can Carrot Juice Kill You?
Enough of anything can kill you. However, for that you will have to drink an insane amount of carrot juice but even then you won’t be in any serious danger. Drinking too much can increase the beta-carotene level in your body, which will cause your skin to develop a yellow tinge, which is reversible. Excess of carrot juices causes “carotenemia”. This is a health problem that mostly occurs in infants when they are given too much carrot puree.
Is Carrot Juice Good to Lose Weight?
As explained earlier, carrot boosts metabolism, which makes it great for weight loss. However, carrot juice does not have much effect on the body. Since the fiber content is stripped away, you don’t get that satiated feeling, which comes with eating raw carrots. On the other hand, carrot juice aids in bile secretion, burns fat and works as a detox drink. So yes, it will help you lose weight but won’t be as effective as consuming raw carrots.
Does Carrot Juice Cleanse the Liver?
Carrot juice contains beta-carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A in the body. Liver produces bile, which stays in the gallbladder or liver until fats trigger its release. Carotenoids are known to be fat soluble that stimulate the movement of bile, which helps remove waste. Since carrot juice works as a detox, toxin stool easily passes through the digestive tract, which reduces stress on the liver.
Can Juice Be Taken on an Empty Stomach?
Dangerous is a strong word. Drinking juice on an empty stomach can be harmful for the digestive system as your body is not able to split fructose. This might create an acidic environment in the stomach and since there’s no fiber content, it will harm your stomach lining.
Which Juice Is Good For Skin Whitening?
When it comes to beauty products, lemon juice is considered the best for skin whitening. It is used as an ingredient in most products. However, when it comes to juicing, orange juice ranks no. 1. Being a rich source of Vitamin C, it lightens your skin tone. It holds backs melanin, which is a pigment that gives the skin a dark color. You can even make a face pack with orange juice by mixing ½ cup of it with Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth). In summers, this face pack not only protects your skin from the UV rays, but also blackheads and tanning. Lastly, orange absorbs oil and dirt that makes your skin look dull and tired.
What Is the Healthiest Juice to Drink?
Visit any website and you will find out that the healthiest juice to drink is pomegranate juice.
Pomegranate juice has been praised numerous times for its ability to reduce inflammation markers. This fruit’s peel and juice contains Punicalagins, which are very potent antioxidants. These antioxidants target inflammation in patients of type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
Which Fruit Juice Is Good For Eyes?
Carrot juice is best for eye health as it contains beta-carotene. This antioxidant is converted into Vitamin A inside and is one the most powerful antioxidants that strengthens eyesight and prevents macular degeneration.
How Long Does Carrot Juice Last?
Carrot juice can last for 48 hours if it is stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge. Just like any other juice, exposure to air destroys the nutrients. Vitamin A, which is the primary antioxidant you get from carrot juice, is lost when it comes in contact with oxygen. This is why it is better to make carrot juice in small batches and drink it all in one day.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Carrot Beet Juice?
Together, beetroot and carrot juice offer numerous health benefits. The Vitamin A in carrots and, potassium and Vitamin C in beetroots are the nutrients that help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, keep health problems at bay and detoxify the body.
What Does Carrot Juice Do For Your Hair?
The Vitamin A in carrots promotes hair growth and thickness. Moreover, Vitamin C prevents early graying of hair. When Vitamin A makes your hair shinier and stronger, Vitamin C and E boost blood circulation in the scalp, which prevents all kinds of hair problems as you age.
Why Does My Carrot Juice Taste Soapy or Bitter?
The two ingredients that determine the taste of a carrot are terpenoids (volatile compounds, which are responsible for the carrot’s flavor) and sugar. The higher the terpenoids content in the carrot, the more soapy or bitter they will taste. The bitter taste is mostly because of the peel and can be somewhat reduced by scrubbing the outer layer of the carrot. When it comes to cooking, the soapy taste can be masked by cooking it longer. As for juicing, adding a fruit can give a sweeter taste, which will mask the bitterness.
Can Long-Term Intake of Carrot Juice Stain Your Teeth?
Beetroot juice, grape juice and carrot juice can change the color of your teeth if taken regularly. However, the same is said for coffee, tea and a number of other drinks and foods. The Vitamin A in carrots promotes healthy teeth but there’s a slight possibility that your teeth might darken over time. This is nothing to be alarmed of. Regular visits to your dentist will help you maintain that beautiful smile.
Are all your questions answered? Then let’s move on to the recipe:
Carrot Juice Recipe
Nothing beats the freshness of carrot juice on a hot summer day! If you are looking to drink something light and healthy, then this simple carrot juice recipe is the one for you… better than your morning cup of Joe. Squeeze out two fresh glasses in the morning and drink one on the go, and the other during lunch time.
Ingredients
- Carrots (roughly chopped):
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp
- Ice Cubes: 3/4 cup
- Water: 2 cups
- Fresh Ginger (peeled): 1 tsp
Direction
- Add the carrots and ginger into the juicer
- Pour the juice into a jug and add the fresh lemon juice to it
- Add the ice cubes and cold water
- Give the juice a nice swirl with a spoon and your juice is ready
And that’s all with our carrot juice guide. Try out this simple recipe and drink a glass of carrot juice every day, first in the morning. You will feel and see the difference in your health and body immediately.
To know more about healthy juicing, visit our blog at Health and Fitness Promoter.
