The coming months are a real test for our immune system. Fall is the time to think about more nutritious meals and juices. What happens if you drink carrot juice every day?
Carrots are suitable for everything from salads to juice. In this article we will focus on the healthy effects of freshly squeezed juice.
Carrot juice boosts immunity
Carrot juice can boost your immune system. The vitamins A and C it contains act as antioxidants and protect immune cells from damage caused by free radicals.
It is also a rich source of vitamin B6, which is not only necessary for an optimal immune response, but its deficiency has been linked to weakened immunity.
Drink fresh carrot juice to improve eyesight
Contains carrot juicelarge amounts of nutrientsthat are good for the eyes. The most important role is played by vitamin A, which is important for vision. Several studies have linked the consumption of fruits and vegetables containing provitamin A to a lower risk of blindness and age-related eye diseases.
Carrot juice is also an excellent source of lutein and zeaxanthin, two other carotenoids that accumulate in the eyes and protect them from harmful light. Regular consumption of these carotenoids can reduce the risk of eye problems such as macular degeneration.
What happens if you drink carrot juice every day: Controlling blood sugar
Drinking small amounts of carrot juice can help lower blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that fermented carrot juice lowers blood sugar levels and improves other related conditions. This is because it contains probiotics, that is, beneficial bacteria that affect the intestinal flora in diabetes.
Carrot juice has a low glycemic index, which indicates how much a food causes blood sugar levels to rise. Consuming foods and drinks with a low glycemic index can improve blood sugar management in diabetics.
Take care of your heart health
Carrot juice may help reduce risk factors for heart disease. First, it is a good source of potassium, a mineral that plays an important role in regulating blood pressure. A diet rich in potassium has been proven to protect against high blood pressure and stroke.
A three-month study of 17 adults with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels found that consuming 480 ml of carrot juice per day significantly increased the levels of antioxidants in the blood and reduced lipid oxidation, which can lead to heart disease.
The juice can have anti-cancer effects
Studies suggest that certain compounds in carrot juice may protect against cancer. In particular, they are polyacetylenes, beta-carotene and lutein from carrot juice extract, which can be effective against human cancer cells.
In an animal study, polyacetylenes from carrots reduced the number and growth rate of colon tumors in rats. Although these results seem promising, there are few human studies. More extensive investigations are required. Of course, carrot juice should not be considered a cancer treatment.
Improve skin health with carrot juice
The nutrients contained in carrot juice can have a particularly positive effectaffect the health of the skin.
250 ml of juice provides over 20% of the daily dose of vitamin C, which is needed for collagen production. This compound is the most abundant fibrous protein in our body and provides elasticity and strength to the skin. In addition, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
The beta-carotene contained in carrot juice can also help the skin. A study has found that a diet rich in carotenoids can protect skin from UV radiation and improve its appearance.
What should you pay attention to when drinking carrot juice?
Although carrot juice is completely safe for most people, there are some precautions to take.
- Some juices, especially freshly made ones, may not have been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria. Pregnant women, the elderly, young children and people with weakened immune systems should avoid unpasteurized carrot juice.
- Carrot juice has less fiber than whole carrots and contains more natural sugars. Because the low fiber content means the sugar is absorbed more quickly, consuming too much can increase blood sugar levels.
- Consuming large amounts of carrot juice can cause caronemia, in which the skin turns yellow-orange due to high levels of beta-carotene in the blood. Although this condition is not harmful, it can be very uncomfortable. Temporarily eliminating sources of beta-carotene from the diet usually resolves the problem.
- While the juice's low glycemic index means it doesn't raise blood sugar levels as much as other juices, you should still make sure to normalize your consumption.
How much carrot juice to drink daily
As I said, you don't have to overdo it with the carrot juice. To get the benefits without consuming too much vitamin A or beta-carotene, you should drink no more than half a glass - or 120g.
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