Healthy Drinks
Declan Kennedy
| 18-09-2023
· Food Team
Carrot juice is a sweet and refreshing drink that can successfully stimulate the appetite.
Extracted from whole carrots, it is very nutritious and provides not only potassium and vitamin C but is also rich in vitamin A.
Carrot juice is low in calories and carbohydrates and is rich in a variety of vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients.
The main carotenoid in carrot juice is beta-carotene, which gives carrots their orange color. Your body converts beta-carotene into the antioxidant vitamin A. Carrot juice is full of nutrients that are beneficial for eye health.
One 250 ml glass of carrot juice contains more than 250% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, mainly in the form of carotenoids such as beta-carotene.
Vitamin A is essential for eye health. Several studies have shown that consuming fruits and vegetables containing pro-vitamin A reduces the risk of blindness and age-related eye disease.
Moreover, carrot juice is a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that accumulate in the eyes, safeguarding them against harmful light.
These powerful antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralizing unstable molecules known as free radicals, thus supporting overall eye health.
A diet abundant in lutein and zeaxanthin has been associated with a reduced risk of eye issues, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
By providing the carotenoid pigments lutein and zeaxanthin, carrot juice further acts as an antioxidant in your body, contributing to the protection of cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Consuming a diet rich in lutein and zeaxanthin may lower the risk of developing eye problems, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
A study has found that a high dietary intake of these compounds reduced the risk of advanced AMD by 26% compared to a low intake.
Carrot juice may also boost the immune system. Carrot juice is a rich source of vitamins A and C, which act as potent antioxidants, providing protection to immune cells by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
By including carrot juice in your diet, you can fortify your body's defense against oxidative damage, contributing to overall immune health and well-being.
Additionally, this juice is rich in vitamin B6, with one cup (250 ml) providing more than 30% of the recommended daily intake. Vitamin B6 is essential for optimal immune response, and a deficiency has been linked to weakened immunity.
Carrots are generally juiced with water to dilute their strong flavor and make them more palatable. For those who prefer a sweeter taste, honey can be added to the juice.
Carrot juice can be consumed at any time of day, but it is particularly beneficial in the morning as part of a nutritious breakfast or between meals to aid digestion.
Drinking carrot juice after exercise is also a good choice as it can replenish the water and sugar lost during strenuous activity. The fructose and water in vegetable juice can help restore energy levels quickly.