Carrots are one of the most popular foods today. It can be eaten raw, or in cooked form as dips, main course, soups and juice. As per the ‘US Department of Agriculture March 2007’.
"Thought to be native to central or western Asia (likely Afghanistan), cultivated carrots first arrived in North America with the early Virginia colonists. Carrots are an important member of the parsley family, which also includes celery, anise, and dill. Like many vegetables, the early history of carrots centered on various medicinal attributes thought suitable for curing a wide range of conditions and maladies."
Carrots are very rich in beta-carotene which our body coverts to vitamin A and soluble fiber in the form of Pectin. Both these compounds make carrots an incredible natural medicine for the heart. The brighter the color of the carrot, the more beta-carotene it contains. Carrots are highly recommended for the people suffering from heart diseases. They are also an excellent source of alpha carotene and lutein which helps preventing such diseases.
Research Studies:
A research study stated that carrot can lower down the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) by 32 percent. Excerpt from the study says "… a higher intake of deep orange fruit and vegetables and especially carrots may protect against CHD." (Source : Briti sh Journal of Nutrition / Volume 106 / Issue 10 / November 2011, pp 1562- 1569).
Another study conducted by the US Government showed that people who ate 1 cup of carrots in a day witnessed an 11% decrease in their blood cholesterol levels. This result was seen only after 3 weeks of daily carrot consumption. The decreased cholesterol level in turn decreases the risk of heart diseases.
One another study showed that consumption of high level of beta-carotene reduces the risk of heart ailments by a significant 45%. The same studies showed that the beta-carotene if taken in the form of pill will not give the same results.
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