Carrots: benefits and harms, medicinal properties and contraindications, recipes

Good day, dear readers! Today we will talk about a simple and familiar orange root vegetable - carrots, benefits and harm to the body, what medicinal properties and contraindications it has. I’ll also give you recipes for what you can make from carrots.

We have all seen and know that the fruit itself has an oblong shape, pointed towards the end. In color, carrots can be orange, as we are used to seeing them, as well as yellow and can even have a purple color.

In everyday life, we often use carrots in preparing various dishes. We can consume this vegetable both raw and boiled, and little of its valuable qualities are lost during cooking.

Doctors have long recognized the value of this vegetable and recommend using it not only as a root vegetable in culinary preparations, but carrots can also cure our ailments, that is, they can be used and used for medicinal purposes. Therefore, we need to know how carrots are useful for humans, and how they can be harmful to someone. Let's figure it out.

A little about carrots

It is a popular ingredient in various cuisines around the world. Moreover, this vegetable can easily be grown both in the garden and greenhouse, and on the windowsill and balcony at home. It is the root vegetable that is eaten. Previously, this vegetable was used only in medicine. The orange carrots we are used to seeing only appeared in the 16th century as a result of crossing yellow and red ones. It can be either an independent dish or an ingredient for salads, soups, and stews. By the way, there are also purple, white, red and yellow carrots. But orange is the most popular.

Calorie content and nutritional value of carrots

The most interesting section of the article for people who are losing weight and watching their diet. In 100 g of grated raw carrot product:

• 32 kcal;
• 1 g protein;
• 0.1 g fat;
• 7 g carbohydrates.

As you can see, this vegetable has very few calories and virtually no fat. An ideal product for people who want to lose weight.

The benefits and harms of carrots

Carrots are superior in carotene content to many fruits and vegetables: apricots, melons, persimmons, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, etc. Carotene is a vital element. Since it is an antioxidant, it prevents oxidation of cells in the body.

What else is carrots good for?

1. It is recommended to use it for anemia, bronchitis, skin diseases, and disorders of the cardiovascular system.
2. The product is recommended for use by people suffering from diabetes mellitus in boiled form. Since when boiled, the antioxidants in the vegetable become 34% more.
3. Carrots are very beneficial for eye health.
4. This vegetable can reduce anxiety; B vitamins successfully fight stress and normalize sleep.
5. Carrots have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
6. The vegetable has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract and improves digestion.
7. Carrot juice improves complexion, tones the skin, strengthens hair and nails, improves appetite and relieves fatigue.
8. It contains vitamins B, C, E and K. As well as minerals: iodine, iron, copper, manganese, fluorine, zinc, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus.
9. For pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, cough and other lung-related diseases, eat carrots boiled with milk.

Doctors' opinion

For various diseases or simply for prevention, the tops are used. These include, for example, thrombosis and hemorrhoids. Women who tried tea made from dried carrot leaves were pleasantly surprised by the disappearance of spider veins on their legs and a significant reduction in the manifestations of varicose veins. It is also recommended to drink juice after a heart attack. The norm per day is no more than two glasses.

• Vitamin A contained in carrots has a beneficial effect on vision, but also on all internal organs;
• You can’t eat it more than normal. Before doing this, contraindications should be taken into account;
• relief from chronic diseases with regular use;
• It is recommended not to peel the peel with a knife. The vegetable should be thoroughly washed under the tap, since it contains a large amount of substances needed by the body;
• Carrots contain a large amount of water, which is good for intestinal function.
• it is actively used in fitness diets; when losing weight, it helps to replenish the elements missing in the body during this period;
• Vitamin A contained in carrots helps improve vision;
• dissolves stones in the gallbladder;
• strengthens the immune system, increases its protective properties against colds; has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects;
• heals burns;
• cleanses the intestines of toxins
• if you wipe your skin with carrot juice instead of toner, it will look fresher and the color will improve
• Drinking carrot juice in summer is a natural sunscreen
• has an antiparasitic effect;
• increases appetite;
• if you gargle with carrot juice, stomatitis goes away faster;
• and also with systematic consumption of carrots, the risk of cancer is 40% lower. The reason for this is that as a result of heat treatment, antioxidants are formed, which becomes an obstacle to cancer.

People suffering from periodontal disease, weak enamel and other dental problems are recommended to chew carrots; this vegetable has a beneficial effect on the gums and tooth enamel. Heals stomatitis, wounds in the mouth and strengthens enamel.

For men – accelerates sperm motility, improves potency. For heart patients – cleanses blood vessels of bad cholesterol, prevents atherosclerosis. This is due to the fact that carrots are high in fiber.

Recipes with carrots

Carrots are easily absorbed by the body. For this reason, the product is indispensable in baby food. Juices are made from it, the calorie content of which per 100 g is only 28 kcal. That's why carrots are valued by people on a diet.

Did you know that carotene is best absorbed by the body if consumed along with fat? That is why you should eat salads, and not carrots in their pure form.

We offer several recipes with grated carrots.

Contraindications

Excessive consumption of carrots is harmful to the body. This results in yellow spots on the palms and soles. The body does not have time to absorb keratin and vitamin substances.

Also, grated root vegetables are contraindicated in the following cases:

• intestinal inflammation;
• increased acidity;
• stones in the kidneys;
• gastritis;
• ulcer.

To minimize harm and ensure maximum benefit, the product should be selected carefully when purchasing. The carrots should be a bright orange hue. The product turns pale and darkens due to changes in composition. The ideal weight of carrots is 140 g. The fruits must have the correct shape and smooth surface.

Carrot salad with garlic

You can prepare this salad in literally ten minutes. It is quite suitable for a holiday menu.

What you will need:

• two hundred grams of carrots;
• two cloves of garlic;
• two tbsp. spoons of mayonnaise;
• pepper, salt.

Cooking method:

1. Rinse the carrots under running water, peel and grate.
2. Pass the garlic through a garlic press.
3. Mix all ingredients in a salad bowl. All that remains is to season the salad with mayonnaise, salt and pepper.
4. You can put the salad in the refrigerator for half an hour before serving.

This light salad can be eaten both during the day and in the evening. You are unlikely to recover from it. And you don’t have to worry if you eat more than you planned. After all, the snack turns out incredibly tasty!

Preservation and storage

"Crispy Carrot" Wash and peel three kg of vegetables. Cut in half. Boil two liters of water with two tablespoons of salt. Pour this solution over the root vegetables for about five minutes, then drain the water. Pour in the hot marinade prepared in advance: take three hundred ml of nine percent vinegar and three tablespoons of sugar per three liters of water. Place garlic, allspice and dill into jars for taste. Roll up for the winter.

Carrots will keep well if you sprinkle them with sand and place them in a cool, dry place. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

I recommend reading: Sweet peppers: benefits and harm.

Bye everyone. Best regards, Vyacheslav.

Carrot salad with garlic and cheese

Let's improve our recipe and add cheese as one of the ingredients.

What we need:

• three hundred grams of carrots;
• one hundred grams of cheese;
• three cloves of garlic;
• a teaspoon of mayonnaise;
• two tbsp. spoons of sour cream;
• salt pepper.

Step-by-step cooking method:

1. Wash, peel and grate the carrots.
2. Also grate the cheese on a coarse grater.
3. Pass the garlic through a garlic press.
4. In a salad bowl, mix carrots with cheese and garlic, add salt and pepper and season with a spoonful of mayonnaise and sour cream.
5. Salad ready!

It is the cheese that gives our salad a spicy and salty note. Be sure to try this snack for your family.

Carrot face masks

Masks for oily skin

• Take two tablespoons of grated carrots, add 1 egg white and a spoonful of rye flour, mix everything and apply on the face for 15 minutes, rinse with warm water.
• Add one grated apple to two tablespoons of grated carrots and apply the mixture to your face for 20 minutes, rinse with warm water.
• Mix one tablespoon of carrot juice, olive oil, milk, cottage cheese and apply to the face for 15-20 minutes, rinse with warm and then cool water.
• Grate one large root vegetable, add a few drops of lemon juice, apply to the face and leave for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water and then cool.

Masks for combination skin

• Beat 2 tablespoons of sour cream with egg yolk and add 2 teaspoons of fresh carrot juice, mix well and apply to dry areas of the skin for 15-20 minutes, rinse with warm water and then cool. Apply nourishing cream.
• Prepare a mixture of one teaspoon of starch, one tablespoon of carrot juice, a tablespoon of cucumber and lemon juice, apply with a brush to your face for 15 minutes, rinse with warm water.

Masks for dry skin

After applying the mask for dry skin, you need to apply a nourishing cream.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon of milk, 1 tablespoon of carrot juice, 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Apply to the skin of the face and neck for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.
• We soak a gauze napkin with fresh juice and apply it to the face for 10-15 minutes, rinse with warm water, and apply nourishing cream.
• Add a few drops of vegetable oil to the grated carrots and apply to the face and neck for 15 minutes, rinse with warm water and apply cream.
• Recipes for masks for dry skin are suitable for lips, apply the mixture on your lips and rinse off after 20 minutes, your lips will acquire a bright color, if there were cracks, they will heal faster.

You can find cottage cheese skin masks here.

Masks for aging, sagging skin

• Mix 1 tablespoon of cream with 2 tablespoons of grated root vegetables and 1 yolk, add 1 teaspoon of grated cucumber, apply for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.
• We freeze carrot juice in small cubes and wipe the skin of the face, neck and lips twice a day, the skin will be toned, receive a portion of vitamins and moisturize.

Hair masks

• Rub carrot juice into your scalp 1 hour before washing.
• Rub carrot essential oil into the scalp and apply to hair, rinse with warm water and shampoo after 2 hours, this procedure is useful for dry and brittle hair, improves growth. It is not recommended for use on oily hair types, as the procedure increases sebum production.
• Take an infusion of carrot tops and yarrow in equal parts and rinse your hair after washing.
• Mix lemon and carrot juice in equal parts, add egg yolk and apply to hair roots for 1 hour, put a shower cap on your hair and wrap it with a towel. Wash off in the usual way.

We use hair masks 1-2 times a week for effectiveness. Course 10-12 masks.

For your hands, you can use masks that are suitable for dry skin. Apply to your hands and wear large rubber gloves. After 30-40 minutes, rinse with warm water and apply a rich, nourishing cream. The skin will be moisturized and disinfected; if there are wounds or cracks on your hands, they will heal faster.

I really love making masks like this for heels and feet, the effect is amazing. Such masks are especially useful now, when the skin of the feet has become rough and dry over the summer.

Carrot face masks are simple and effective; use them for skin and hair care. Include this healthy root vegetable in your diet; remember, in order for the vitamins to be absorbed by your body, you need to add a little fat, cream, and sour cream to the carrot dish.

The site “I am a villager” wishes you good health and good mood!

You can read the article where there are many recipes for cucumber masks.

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It is very interesting to know if you use such masks, write it in your comments.

Spicy salad

Grated carrots with cheese will surprise few people today. This is already a classic combination. For variety, you can change it slightly.

What you will need:

• three or four carrots;
• two processed cheeses;
• three cloves of garlic;
• one hundred grams of sour cream;
• any greens.

Step-by-step cooking method:

1. Wash and peel the carrots thoroughly. Grate.
2. Place the processed cheese in the freezer for an hour in advance to make it easier to grate.
3. Wash the greens and chop finely with a knife.
4. Grind the garlic in any way.
5. We collect the salad in a deep bowl: combine grated processed cheese, carrots, garlic and herbs.
6. Season with sour cream, salt and pepper to taste.

How much can you buy a briquette of domestically produced processed cheese? On average, for 10 rubles. How much will you spend per kilogram of carrots? 15 rubles. Agree, a very cheap salad? Considering that for it we will need not a whole kilogram of carrots, but only two hundred grams.

How much to eat to turn orange

There is an opinion among ordinary people that regularly eating carrots in large quantities can lead to yellowing of the skin. Such a statement has a right to exist. However, it should be borne in mind that not all of us are subject to such metamorphoses. Most prone to lycopenoderma (yellowing):

• owners of light, thin skin;
• people suffering from liver and gastrointestinal diseases;
• small children with an immature enzyme system.

This is because beta-carotene and lepine that enter the body are not completely absorbed by the body, but are deposited “in reserve” in the subcutaneous tissue. If the skin is thin, light and there are diseases of the liver or gastrointestinal tract, then the risk of yellowing is very high.

During lactation, you need to eat carrots in doses and look at the baby’s condition

As for babies on breastfeeding, they turn yellow very often. The baby’s body still does not have enough enzymes capable of processing carotenoids. Nothing changes in the mother’s appearance, the skin and whites of the eyes retain the same shade, and the child, having received a negligible dose of provitamin A, becomes deep orange.

And it is precisely this feature that proves that not everyone turns yellow and not always. Everything is purely individual. Some people can eat a kilogram of root vegetables every day without experiencing any discomfort, while others turn yellow in just a week, drinking a glass of carrot juice for breakfast.

Note! Excess vitamin A leads to a serious disease - hypervitaminosis. However, it can only be caused by excessive consumption of synthesized retinol. When eating large quantities of natural vegetables, no harm was found in carrots.

Grated carrot and apple salad

Another one of the classic options. Many people like the combination of sour apple and carrots.

First, let's prepare the following ingredients:

• two medium-sized carrots;
• one large green apple (it is better to choose sour varieties, this will improve the taste of the dish);
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil;
• fresh greens.

Step-by-step cooking method:

1. Rinse the carrots under running water, peel and grate on a coarse grater.
2. Wash, peel and grate the apple.
3. Finely chop the greens.
4. Combine grated carrots, apples and greens in a bowl, mix and season with oil.
5. You can add a little salt if you wish, but it is not necessary.
6. Alternatively, you can use unsweetened yogurt or sour cream instead of butter.

Grated carrots are everyone's favorite

Grated carrots have one significant advantage over eating the whole vegetable - it is easier to digest the product. During the rubbing process, juice is released, which turns the mass into mush. This method of preparation allows people whose teeth and gums are weak or whose stomach does not accept rough food to eat a healthy vegetable. In addition, children really like carrot pulp, especially if honey or fruit is mixed into it. As for the quality composition, it remains unchanged.

Salad of grated carrots, corn and sausage

Do you like spicier salads? You can add a little smoked sausage.

What we need:

• 150 grams of carrots;
• 150 grams of smoked sausage;
• can of canned corn;
• three cloves of garlic;
• mayonnaise;
• salt pepper.

Prepare as follows:

1. You need to wash and peel the carrots, grate them on a coarse grater.
2. Open canned corn and drain excess liquid.
3. Cut the smoked sausage into strips.
4. Pass the garlic through a press.
5. In a salad bowl, combine garlic, sausage, corn and carrots. Salt, pepper and season with mayonnaise.
6. Salad ready.

The salad has a spicy taste and is unusually tender.

Carrot salad with beets

An excellent dietary salad, which is especially popular among those who care about their figure. 100 grams contain only forty kilocalories.

You will need:

• two hundred grams of white cabbage;
• one carrot;
• one beet;
• one apple;
• lemon juice or olive oil.

Step-by-step cooking method:

1. Rinse vegetables and fruits. Shred the cabbage.
2. Peel the carrots and grate on a coarse grater.
3. Do the same with beets and apples.
4. Combine all ingredients, season with lemon juice or olive oil.

Carrot, egg and garlic salad

Don't know what to cook for lunch? Try this recipe. The salad is low in calories but very nutritious.

What you will need:

• 250 grams of carrots;
• 5 eggs;
• 70 grams of mayonnaise;
• two cloves of garlic;
• salt pepper.

Step-by-step cooking method:

1. Wash the carrots, peel and grate on a coarse grater.
2. Boil eggs hard in cold water. Cool, peel and finely chop or grate.
3. Pass the garlic through a garlic press.
4. In a bowl, combine carrots, eggs and garlic. Season with mayonnaise, salt and pepper.

The salad will replenish your strength and fill you with energy. You can prepare it in just a few minutes.