Carrot is one of the most frequently used vegetables in Polish cuisine – an ingredient of soups, sauces, salads and the famous Italian cuisine. Its gourmets do not always know that the root contains valuable vitamins, minerals and antioxidant compounds. The properties of carrots allow you to take care of your eyesight, immunity and prevent many dangerous diseases, including cancer. What other advantages are hidden in the “inconspicuous” vegetable?
Carrots are a valuable source of carotenoids – antioxidants and dyes, which give the vegetable its charming orange color. The root contains alpha-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and even lycopene. However, sweet carrot is above all a wealth of beta-carotene, which accelerates tanning and prolongs its results, giving the skin a beautiful, golden shade. However, as in any case, you should exercise moderation in its use. Excess carotene in the system unsightly discolors the skin into a “carrot” color. Fortunately, this effect is fully reversible.
Most often you hear that carrot has a strengthening, cleansing, regenerating, mineralizing and regulating effect on the human body – but it drowns out all its benefits. The vegetable supports the treatment of hypertension, ensures the proper course of metabolic processes and prevents dangerous narrowing of the lumen of the vessels. They are recommended for patients with acne, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and even leukemia. Carrots are an excellent “remedy” for burns, frostbite, diarrhea and anemia. Its expectorant effect helps with hoarseness, asthma and bronchitis.
Carrot – prophylactic and therapeutic effect
There are reports that carrots can be an element of lung cancer prevention, which is why people who smoke cigarettes should reach for it as often as possible. The compounds contained in the vegetable inhibit the carcinogenic effects of substances present in tobacco smoke. In addition, the root helps fight intestinal and stomach ailments, and infusions of the seeds relieve flatulence, gas and diarrhea, especially in toddlers. Chewing carrot seeds also supports the therapy of gastric neurosis.
The tasty carrot root regulates the concentration of cholesterol in the blood – it helps to remove its excess from the body. In this way, it protects against the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Carrot also has beautifying properties – it has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, improves its color, restores elasticity and smoothes it.
Carrot for beauty
Grated carrot can be used as a face and neck mask. It is worth using it twice a month for 15-20 minutes, then wash it off with warm water. From time to time, wash your skin well with a cotton pad soaked in carrot juice. The juice will refresh it, firm it, add softness and prevent the formation of unsightly wrinkles. The original mask is recommended especially to people whose skin is prone to oily and “shining”.
It is worth mentioning that carrot is a component of many cosmetics, e.g. anti-wrinkle creams. Beneficial preparations can also be made by yourself – at home. Carrot extract should be combined with eucerin, glycerin, lemon oil and vitamin E.