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Carrots — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips

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Listonic Team

September 4, 2024

Rich in beta-carotene and vitamins, carrots are a nutritious and versatile vegetable. Learn how to pick the freshest carrots, best storage practices, and creative ways to incorporate them into your diet, whether raw or cooked.
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Nutrients

Check the detailed nutritional values of carrots, including information such as calories, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins per 100 grams of the product.

Nutrition facts

Amount per 100 g

Calories

🔥 41 kcal

Nutrition per: 100 g% Daily Value*
Carbs10 g3.64%
Fiber3 g10.71%
Sugars5 g10%
Glycemic Index39 -
Protein1 g2%
Sodium69 mg3%
Total Fat0 g-

*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Carrots contain more sugar than any other vegetable except for beets and are an excellent source of beta-carotene.

Encyclopedia of Foods. A Guide to Healthy Nutrition

Among other things, here's what makes carrots stand out:

39

🟢 Low Glycemic Index

Key takeaways

🛒
Organic can be more flavorful and have fewer pesticides.
😋
Carrots were originally purple, red, white, and yellow, but not orange.
📦
Store carrots in the refrigerator, in a plastic bag, and use within one to two weeks. To extend their freshness, you can trim the greens off before storage. For longer storage, you can blanch and freeze carrots in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to eight months.

Health benefits

Explore how carrots can boost your diet with essential vitamins and fiber, promoting better health and vitality.
  • Rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into Vitamin A in the body, essential for maintaining good vision, immune function, and skin health.
  • High in antioxidants, including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which help protect the body from free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
  • Supports digestive health with their high fiber content, promoting regular bowel movements and a healthy gut microbiome.
  • Contains essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin K, Vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins, which support overall health and well-being.
  • Low in calories, making them a nutritious option for weight management and overall health.

Health risks

Explore the potential health risks and concerns related to carrots.
  • Potential for pesticide residue on conventionally grown carrots, which can pose health risks over time if not properly washed or peeled.
  • Digestive discomfort such as gas or bloating when consumed in large quantities, particularly due to their fiber content.
  • High sugar content relative to other vegetables, which may cause concern for individuals managing blood sugar levels, particularly diabetics.
  • Possible allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with birch pollen allergies, leading to symptoms like itching or swelling (oral allergy syndrome).
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How to choose carrots

Fresh carrots boast a vibrant orange color and a firm texture. They should have smooth skin without any cracks or soft spots. The tops should be bright green and look lively if still attached.

Steer clear of carrots that are limp or have begun to sprout, which indicate they are old. Quality carrots should snap cleanly when bent.

How to choose carrots
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How to store carrots

Refrigeration is the best way to store fresh carrots. Keep them in a plastic bag or container in the crisper drawer to maintain their crispness. Properly stored, carrots can last up to two weeks.

Excess moisture can cause carrots to become slimy, so avoid storing them wet. Do not store carrots near ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas, which can cause them to spoil faster. Ensure they are dry before storing to prolong their freshness.

✅ Extra Tip

To prevent carrots from becoming limp, consider wrapping them in a slightly damp paper towel before placing them in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer.

How long do they last?

Carrots can last for 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in a plastic bag or container. To maintain their freshness, keep them in the crisper drawer. Cooked carrots should be consumed within 3-5 days.

What to do with leftovers?

Leftover carrots can be used in a variety of dishes. Add them to soups, stews, or casseroles for added flavor and nutrition, or roast them with olive oil and herbs for a simple, sweet side dish. Carrots are also great in stir-fries, where they add a bright color and crunchy texture.

Use grated carrots in salads or mix them into pasta dishes for added sweetness. If you have a lot of carrots, consider making a batch of carrot cake or muffins, where their natural sweetness and moisture shine. Carrots can also be pureed into a carrot soup or blended into a sauce for pasta or grains. For a healthy snack, try making carrot sticks to dip in hummus or blend them into a smoothie for a nutritional boost.

👨‍⚕️️  Medical disclaimer

The content on this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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