Could Snacking On Carrots Save Your Life?

The carrot may not be the coolest veggie on the shelf – but when it comes to health benefits, the humble ingredient has a lot to play for. A recent study has found eating a handful of baby carrots just three times a week can significantly increase skin carotenoids: plant pigments which are associated with a whole host of health benefits. This is just one of many pieces of research demonstrating the perks of eating lots of carrots, so just why is this veggie so good for you?

5 Health Benefits Of Carrots

Rich source of carotenoids

Carrots have a high content of carotenoids: naturally-occurring chemicals that accumulate in the roots of vegetables, and are responsible for colouring. Research has linked high levels of these with a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases, as well as an improved immune system. 

May be beneficial for heart health

Yellow, red and orange vegetables such as carrots have long been lauded for their heart-disease fighting powers. This study from 2023, for instance, found that people with high levels of carotenoids in their blood are likely to have a lower degree of atherosclerosis in their arteries, consequently reducing the risk of developing heart disease. 

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Beneficial for eyesight

You may have heard the adage that chomping on carrots could help you see better – and this isn’t an old wives’ tale. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, an important nutrient for eye health. 

Packed with fibre

Out of all the vegetables, carrots contain some of the highest levels of fibre, meaning they’re great for digestive health – numerous studies have confirmed the vegetable has a prebiotic function. And, as the NHS website outlines, eating plenty of fibre is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Consuming fibre-rich food can also help control your blood sugar levels – hence why research has shown a high-fibre diet lowers your risk of type 2 diabetes. Plus, it helps keep you fuelled for longer, which plays a key part in healthy weight management.

Beneficial for skin

You may have seen wellness influencers swearing by carrots for glowing skin – and their claims are not unfounded. Vitamin A is an important nutrient for maintaining healthy skin, which is why it’s one of the buzziest ingredients in skincare right now. Carrots are also a good source of vitamin C, which is renowned for its skin-promoting benefits as it helps the body produce collagen, a protein which supports skin structure and cell turnover. There’s also some evidence to suggest eating carrots could be beneficial to people with sensitive skin who are prone to sunburn.