Have you ever turned your nose up to carrot juice? Well, maybe you didn’t realize the amazing health benefits you can enjoy from the juice of this tender tuber.
Raw or cooked, carrots are a nutritional diet staple. And even though orange is the most popular color, carrots come in a variety of colors, including purple, yellow, white and red. Health benefits stem from the many antioxidants they contain.
But carrot juice provides the body with a concentrated dose of these healing nutrients, which improve eye health, lower risk for heart disease, and help protect against cancer.
Carrot Juice Health Benefits
1. Protects the Eyes
Carrot heath benefits for the eyes stem from the beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin they contain. These nutrients are known to boost eye health. Beta-carotene is a form of Vitamin A that helps to prevent macular degeneration. The deeper the color, the greater the concentration of nutrients. These nutrients also protect against age-related vision loss and cataracts. (1)
2. Provides Antioxidants
The concentrated nutrients in the juice of carrots include a steady stream of antioxidants for the body. When you hear the word carotenoids , what vegetable comes to mind? Carrots, of course. And the carotenoids in carrots are powerful antioxidants that help reduce the risk of illness and infection. These nutrients also help to reduce inflammation and defend the body from free radical damage. But while the carotenoids in carrot juice is beneficial, the synthetic supplement is not. (2)
3. Decreases Risk for Heart Disease and Stroke
How else can this delicious juice benefit your health? Well, you can decrease your risk for heart disease and stroke. The antioxidants in carrots work to lower oxidative stress and improve the body’s defense system against cardiovascular disease. The benefits also include lower cholesterol levels and increased nutrient absorption. It’s one thing to eat your vegetables, but your body needs to absorb and use those nutrients for health. (3)
4. Helps Protect Against Cancer
Studies have shown that carrot juice may protect against cancer. For example, the high levels of carotenoids in carrots help fight off infection and reduce the risk of certain types of cancers, including ovarian cancer and breast cancer. As we’ve seen, the phytonutrients in carrots can reduce inflammation and lower oxidative stress levels, which help protect against cancer. And brightly colored carrot juice offers concentrated benefits. (4)
5. Helps Maintain Oral Health
Carrot juice health benefits include improved oral health. The nutrients in carrots work to strengthen the immune system, which helps protect the body against bacteria and toxins in the gums and teeth. Carrot juice health benefits also include the ability to reduce cavities and prevent tooth decay.
6. Boosts Skin Health and Wound Healing
Carrot juice health benefits include improved skin health and faster wound healing. The antioxidants in carrots work to reduce inflammation and fight off infection, which increases the body’s ability to heal quicker. Carrots and carrot juice can help speed healing of cuts, scrapes and other wounds, while preventing infection.
7. Protects Brain Health
Carrot juice health benefits include improved cognitive function. The powerful antioxidants in carrots and carrot juice work to protect the brain from disease. Carrot juice can help fight Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive decline. It can also help improve memory and overall brain health, by lowering oxidative stress in the brain that can weaken nerve signaling capacity and cause inflammation.