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Carrots are a well-known and used vegetable in every cuisine of the world. This root contains a lot of lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene and provitamin A or beta-carotene. In addition, it is a source of vitamins A, C, E and K and B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, and pyridoxine). Carrots are also rich in minerals, including magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and zinc.

What are the health benefits of carrots?
1. Thanks to the lutein and beta-carotene in carrots, it supports eyesight. Consuming it is recommended for people with cataracts, glaucoma, and problems with visual acuity.
2. Carrots, thanks to the strong antioxidant beta-carotene, vitamin A metabolite (retinoic acid) and falcarinol, have anti-cancer properties. Eating this vegetable can help prevent cancer of the mouth, larynx, oesophagus, and bladder.
3. It strengthens the circulatory system and thus protects it against diseases. Pectin lowers blood cholesterol and has anti-atherosclerotic effects, while flavonoids have an antispasmodic effect on the coronary vessels of the heart and increase blood flow to the heart muscle.
4. Drinking freshly squeezed juice is beneficial in digestive disorders. Bifidus, i.e., sulphur compounds contained in carrots, stimulate the development of bacteria beneficial for the intestinal microflora, thanks to which they support the work of the intestines.
5. Carrots are also a way to stay healthy and young. It accelerates the healing of wounds and irritations, and fights acne. It improves skin tone and speeds up tanning. On the other hand, carrot extracts (especially retinol), which are used in anti-wrinkle creams, perfectly eliminate wrinkles, and tighten the skin.

Interesting facts:

• Raw carrots contain 27 kcal per 100 g and a low glycaemic index (IG30), therefore it is recommended for people trying to lose weight.
• Carrots after heat treatment (cooked) are not recommended for people suffering from type 2 diabetes, because the glycaemic index is three times higher.
• In excess, Vitamin A, which is present in carrots, is toxic to our body and may cause liver enlargement, excessive excitability and/or visual impairment.
• Carrots are not only orange in colour. The purple and black roots contain anthocyanins which are powerful antioxidants. Red carrots are high in lycopene and yellow in beta carotene.
• There is a Virtual Carrot Museum (World Carrot Museum).

Recipe for a homemade mask:
Carrots can be used to create nourishing face and hair masks. It is enough to blend them or crush them with a fork (boil them first, preferably without slicing). Then mix with natural yoghurt or buttermilk and additional ingredients (e.g., turmeric, cinnamon, fresh herbs) and apply on the face for several minutes. As a result, the skin will regain its proper colour and fine wrinkles will be smoothed out.

Regular use of such masks actively rejuvenates and fights free radicals.

Carrots are also good for hair, nourishing it and restoring its structure. However, be careful with blonde hair as carrot-based cosmetics can change its colour.