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Carrot (Daucus carota) Health Benefits

Carrots
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  • 2 years ago
  • 4Minutes
  • 1054Words
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Carrot Health Benefits

Carotenoid compounds play an essential role in human health, preventing disease thanks to their antioxidant capacity, but also as vitamin A precursors. As humans cannot synthesize carotenoids, they have to be provided by a plant-based diet. Carrot is one of the most important vegetables in the world, and a critical source of carotenoids as a large amount is accumulated in root tissues. (2)

The total carotenoids content in the edible portion of carrot roots ranges from 6,000 to 54,800 μg/100 g. Carotenoids have been linked with the enhancement of immune system and the decreased risk of degenerative diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, age-related macular degeneration and cataract formation (5)

carrots

Beneficial Fiber

The health benefits of eating fiber-rich diet are immense including prevention of constipation, regulation of blood sugar, protection against heart diseases, reducing high levels of and prevention of certain forms of cancers. Carrots are very high in dietary fibers and these fibers play an important role in human health and diets rich in dietary fibers are associated with the prevention, reduction, and treatment of some diseases such as diverticular and coronary heart diseases. (9)

Cardiovascular

Carotenoids have been linked with the enhancement of immune system and decreased risk of degenerative diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, age related macular degeneration and cataract formation. (7) In one study a significant decrease of cholesterol level in liver was observed together with a reduction of the level of liver triglycerides. Fecal total steroids excretion increased by 30% upon feeding the carrot diet as compared to the control. The secretion of bile acids was maintained, whereas the cholesterol apparent absorption was reduced in rats fed carrot diet. Carrot consumption also improved the antioxidant status. (8)

Eye Health

Lutein is one of the most prevalent carotenoids in nature and in the human diet. Together with zeaxanthin, it is highly concentrated as a macular pigment in the retina of primates, buffering blue light exposure, providing protection from photo-oxidation and enhancing visual performance. (1)

Digestive Health

Carrot extract exerted antisecretory, gastroprotective, and in vitro antacid potential. Also, significant inhibition of the development of ulcers induced by physical and chemical agents was shown. These activities could be attributed due to the presence of glycosides, phenolics, tannins, alkaloids, and flavonoids, all of which are anti-inflammatory. (3)

Anti-Cancer

In traditional medicine, carrots (Daucus carota) have been used as treatments for leukemia and other cancers throughout history [5] and have previously been studied in other contexts as potential sources of anticancer agents. It has also been studied in conjunction with beetroot juice for use against Leukaemia. (4)

Kidney Protection

One study validated the traditional use as an ethnomedicine against nephrosis of the kidneys. Being a source of rich carotenoid, polyphenolic and polyacetylene constituents in carrot, the principle mechanism to elucidate the nephroprotective potentiality was possibly attributed due to its antioxidant and cellular anti-inflammatory properties. (6)

 

Conclusion

You know that a dripping tap can eventually rot the floor and cause a complete kitchen to collapse. I guess the same rule applies to our health. If we change one chocolate bar or muffin into one raw carrot a day, can you imagine the difference in our health? During your detox diet, it’s these new habits we are trying to form.

People often report a new sense of clarity and peace, seeing and hearing better, even sharper thinking.

With all the benefits of combined healing foods like carrot, you can see why.

Try these recipes:

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Cabbage Health Benefits

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) Health Benfits

2 days ago4Minutes1252Words8ViewsCabbage, a cruciferous vegetable, offers numerous gut health benefits, largely due to its rich nutritional profile. It provides dietary fiber, antioxidants, and important vitamins that contribute to maintaining a healthy digestive system. Here’s an overview of the key gut health benefits of cabbage, along with the role of glutamine: 1. Rich in Dietary Fiber Cabbage is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber plays a crucial role in supporting gut health by: Promoting healthy digestion: Insoluble fiber helps bulk up stool and move it through the intestines, preventing constipation and ensuring regular bowel movements. Supporting beneficial gut bacteria: Soluble fiber is fermented by gut bacteria, which produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate. These SCFAs fuel the cells of the colon, promoting a healthy gut lining and reducing inflammation. 2. Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Properties Cabbage contains antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids, which help reduce oxidative stress in the gut. This is important because chronic inflammation in the gut can lead to digestive disorders like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Cabbage’s anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the gut lining and maintain a healthy gut environment. 3. Supports Gut Lining and Mucosal Health Cabbage, especially when consumed in its raw form, contains glutamine, an amino acid that has been shown to support gut health. Glutamine is essential for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal lining. It helps to: Repair the gut lining: Glutamine supports the epithelial cells of the intestines, aiding in their repair and regeneration. This is especially important for those with leaky gut syndrome or those suffering from inflammation-related digestive disorders. Enhance gut permeability: Glutamine aids in maintaining the balance of the gut’s permeability, ensuring that nutrients pass through properly while preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. 4. Helps in Digestive Enzyme Production Cabbage contains a significant amount of vitamin U (also known as S-methylmethionine), which can help boost the production of digestive enzymes. These enzymes aid in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, which is vital for optimal digestive health. 5. Supports Detoxification Cabbage, particularly the variety known as sauerkraut, supports detoxification through its high content of glucosinolate compounds. These compounds help activate detoxifying enzymes in the liver, which supports the overall health of the digestive system by helping the body eliminate waste more efficiently. Role of Glutamine in Gut Health from Cabbage: Cabbage as a Glutamine Source: While glutamine is found in various foods, including meat, fish, and dairy, cabbage is one of the plant-based sources that can contribute to its intake. Glutamine in cabbage supports gut cells and helps to maintain a healthy mucosal layer in the intestines. This, in turn, protects the gut from irritants and helps heal the gut lining after it has been damaged by inflammation or stress. Intestinal Health: Glutamine is the preferred fuel for intestinal cells (enterocytes), which helps maintain the integrity of the gut barrier. This function is critical for individuals suffering from gut disorders like IBS, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis, as glutamine helps reduce gut permeability and improve overall digestive function. Conclusion Including cabbage in your diet, whether raw, cooked, or fermented, offers numerous benefits for gut health. It provides dietary fiber, antioxidants, and glutamine, which help support healthy digestion, reduce inflammation, repair the gut lining, and maintain optimal gut barrier function. This makes cabbage a powerful ally for anyone looking to improve their digestive health naturally. Would you like more information on how to incorporate cabbage into your diet for gut health, or perhaps explore additional glutamine-rich foods? Try this Recipe:Mung Bean Coleslaw 10% Off BodiClenz – Ultimate Herbal DETOX Drink $152.10 – $259.00 View Info 10% Off Ultimate Herbal DETOX Body Cleanse Program $195.75 – $197.10 View Info Digezaid Digestive Support 120 Capsules $59.00 View Info 10% Off BodiTune Detox n Slim 500g or 1kg Pot $116.10 – $197.10 View Info No products found

Using Heat To Encourage Detoxification

Super Hot Winter Detox

The balance between our inner and outer environments play a major role when considering health from the holisitc standpoint, and can be why we become more susceptible to certain ailments at different times of year.
Let’s explore some of the key reasons to use heat as part of a mid-winter detox.