10 Carrot Benefits for Skin
The carrot plant (Daucus carota) is one of the oldest vegetables in existence and cultivated as far back as the Bronze Age. In addition to providing, you with an excellent source of vitamin A, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, carrots offer a range of benefits for your skin! Read on to learn more about 10 reasons to include these tasty orange veggies in your daily diet.
1) A diet high in Vitamin A helps fight off cancer
The natural form of Vitamin A found in carrots protects against lung cancer, throat cancer, and colorectal cancer. It also helps suppress certain genes that are associated with tumor growth and makes it harder for tumors to develop. On top of that, vitamin A boosts your immune system’s ability to fight disease and infection.
2) Carrots contain antioxidants
Antioxidants are one of our body’s best defenses against free radicals—and most antioxidants come from fruits and vegetables. They help in slowing down or stopping oxidation and help us fight off diseases such as cancer, heart disease, cataracts, macular degeneration, and more. Some antioxidants found in carrots include beta-carotene, vitamin C, and rutin. These work to neutralize free radicals (unstable molecules) that attack healthy cells in your body.
3) Beta-carotene is proven to help prevent heart disease
Beta-carotene is a carotenoid that converts to vitamin A in our bodies, and a new study shows that it can significantly lower your risk of heart disease. Beta-carotene is found in yellow, orange, and dark green fruits and vegetables like carrots. In particular, 100 grams of raw carrots contain more than twice as much beta-carotene as an equal amount of spinach.
4) The antioxidants in carrots are known to reduce inflammation
Inflammation can occur as a result of skin irritation, environmental damage, or changes in temperature. By eating foods high in antioxidants, you can help to combat inflammation and improve your skin’s health. Antioxidants are also thought to protect against sunburn, which is another common cause of inflammation on your skin. In addition to helping reduce sunburn, antioxidant-rich foods like carrots may also prevent wrinkles and aging by protecting against free radical damage that occurs when exposed to sunlight.
5) Vitamins C & E reduce sun damage and improve complexion
The antioxidant vitamins C and E protect skin cells from sun damage and boost skin health. A 2014 study in Biological Trace Element Research found that a combination of these vitamins improved wrinkles and led to younger-looking skin. As part of a healthy diet, carrots are an easy way to add both of these vitamins to your diet! At just 16 calories per medium carrot, it’s a healthy snack option as well.
6) The combination of beta-carotene, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K can help slow down the aging process
Beta-carotene, also known as pro-vitamin A, is found in carrots and helps your body metabolize Vitamin A more efficiently. This vitamin can help regulate the growth, reproduction, and differentiation of cells, which can reduce fine lines and wrinkles. A major antioxidant, beta-carotene scavenges harmful free radicals in your body. Free radicals form as a result of sun exposure and may cause cell damage that leads to premature aging and diseases like cancer.
7) Lycopene (a pigment found in carrots) acts as an anti-inflammatory
Research has found that lycopene is a natural anti-inflammatory, capable of reducing and preventing inflammation in lab animals. This means it can be useful for treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. By managing your skin’s inflammation, you’ll be able to keep breakouts at bay and create smooth, supple skin without irritation or redness.
8) Carrots are great for repairing damaged skin cells & keeping your collagen levels up.
Rich in vitamin A, carrots are one of nature’s greatest skin rejuvenators. Your body uses carotenoids (like beta-carotene) to synthesize vitamin A—which acts as an antioxidant and keeps your collagen levels up. What is collagen? It’s a vital protein that helps keep your skin strong and elastic. Try topping your salads with shredded carrots or adding them to stews; be sure not to peel them first!
9) The folate from carrots can help those with acne breakouts! Folate also aids in cell growth.
Most people know that carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A and other nutrients, but did you know that they can also be a great way to treat acne and clear up your skin? Folate has been shown to help with cell growth, which can be effective for those with acne issues. Make sure to eat plenty of carrots in order to maintain healthy skin!
10) Antioxidants combat aging by helping repair the outer layer of our skin (the epidermis). They even provide protection against sun damage which can lead to wrinkles.
A 4-ounce glass of carrot juice contains about 150 percent of our daily requirement for vitamin A, which is one of many antioxidants that fight free radicals. Free radicals can lead to wrinkles and skin discoloration as we age. In addition, carrots are rich in vitamins C and E which also help protect against sun damage. The beta carotene found in carrots also helps keep your skin looking young by boosting cell turnover rates.: Beta carotene is a type of antioxidant known as a carotenoid that gives carrots their orange color. Carotenoids are fat-soluble compounds found in plant foods like fruits and vegetables that help protect against harmful UV rays from sunlight by absorbing them before they penetrate into your skin.
