Eating raw carrots every day in winter: There are certain specific seasonal fruits and vegetables that one must definitely consume in the cold winter weather to boost their immunity and protect their overall health. Carrot is one such food. A root vegetable, it is packed with many health benefits and is considered to be a winter must-have. Carrots are known to protect the vision, promote healthy hair, boost bone and muscle health, aid in digestion, etc. In India, carrots are consumed in soups and stews, as a side dish to be eaten with rice or chapatis, or made into a dessert like ‘gajar ka halwa‘, which is extremely popular in many states. This winter season, you must definitely make raw carrots a part of your diet. Yes, you read that right. You can even consume carrots as it is after thoroughly washing and cleaning them. Some people, however, like to consume them in boiled form. Whatever your preference is, here are 10 health benefits of eating raw carrots every day in winter. Read on.
Why You Should Eat Raw Carrots In Winter
These are some compelling reasons for why you should make raw carrots a part of your daily diet:
- Boosts immune system: As mentioned earlier, raw carrots are rich in vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system and fight off winter illnesses.
- Rich in antioxidants: Carrots contain antioxidants like beta-carotene, which help to protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Supports eye health: The presence of high levels of vitamin A in raw carrots can make them an excellent food for supporting eye health and preventing conditions like night blindness.
- Proper digestion: Raw carrots are rich in fibre, which can help to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
- May help lower cholesterol: The soluble fibre in raw carrots are known to bind to the bile acids and lower cholesterol levels in the body.
- Supports healthy skin: The antioxidants and vitamins in raw carrots can help to protect the skin from damage and promote healthy, glowing skin.
- Reduce cancer risk: Experts say that antioxidants and phytochemicals in raw carrots have been shown to possess anti-cancer properties and may help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
- Supports healthy hair, nails: The vitamin and mineral content in raw carrots can help to promote healthy hair and nail growth.
- Reduce inflammation: The presence of antioxidants and polyphenols in raw carrots have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
- Supports healthy bones: Raw carrots are a good source of calcium, too, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Tips To Incorporate Raw Carrots Into Your Diet
You may consider the following:
- Eat them as a snack: Raw carrots make a great crunchy snack on their own or with hummus or guacamole.
- Add them to salads: Shredded or grated raw carrots can add a nice texture and flavour to salads.
- Use them in juices: Alternatively, raw carrots can be made into a juice with other vegetables.
- Add them to soups: Raw carrots can also be added to soups for extra flavour and nutrition.
Disclaimer
While eating raw carrots can be beneficial, it is essential to note that overconsumption can be harmful. Additionally, individuals with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, should consult with their healthcare provider before making significant changes to their diet. The aforementioned information is purely generic in nature and not a substitute for qualified medical advice.