Carrots have been said to have locked up beneath their orange walls, a sea of eye-boosting properties that may enhance visual strength and prevent the risks of several eye-related diseases.
Now although there is some truth to this, the said eye-benefiting powers of carrots originated from an early myth, which was eventually sustained till this very day.
Going further to the question “Are carrots truly good for the yes?” – The answer is yes! However, not as miracle-working as they marketed to be.
Carrots And Eye Health
Carrots contain concentrated amounts of antioxidants including, lutein and beta-carotene that help to protect the eyes against free radicals that could cause eye damage and lead to several chronic diseases.
Studies have shown that a deficiency or shortage of vitamin A in the body can progress into night blindness. Fortunately, the beta-carotene present in carrots becomes converted into vitamin A upon entering into the body system. This in turn assists in preventing the risk of and reversing the symptoms of night blindness.
Vitamin A helps to form a reddish-purple, light-sensitive pigment in the eye called rhodopsin. This pigment is known for its ability to strengthen vision at night
The presence of lutein is also great for preventing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition whereby vision gradually blurs until lost.
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Are There Any Other Health Benefits of Carrots?
The nutrients present in carrots have been associated with;
- Regulating blood sugar; their low glycemic index (GI) prevents any sudden increase in blood sugar and assists to regulate blood sugar levels in the body.
- Skin-protecting properties; they contain compounds that protect the skin from sun damage
- Anti-cancer properties; fiber and certain antioxidants in carrots have been discovered to possess certain cancer-fighting effects.
- Aiding weight loss; the fiber content keeps you full for long, making you eat less calories.
- Benefiting heart health; carrots contain lycopene, an antioxidant that protects the heart against chronic diseases.