Not a single feast among the ancient Greeks and Romans was complete without this vegetable. In the XVII century, European noble ladies decorated them with their elaborate hairstyles. Today, each of us eats 7 kilograms of orange crispy root crop every year. Find out how many calories are in carrots, what are its benefits and how to use a vegetable.
Material Content:
Chemical composition and nutritional value
Carrots are a two-year-old plant that belongs to the umbelliferous family. It is widely distributed on the globe due to its nutritional and medicinal value.
Root crop is a leader among vegetables in the content of beta-carotene. When a substance enters the body, it turns into provitamin A. Remember the rule: the more saturated the color of the vegetable, the more beta-carotene in it. Eat bright orange carrots. 100-200 grams of root vegetables per day cover the need for a daily dose of vitamin A. The most useful carrots are ripe.
How many calories are in carrots
Calorie cooked carrots - 25 kcal per 100 grams, raw vegetables - 35 kcal per 100 grams. The use of a product with a low energy value is also indicated for those who follow a diet.
The content of vitamins, trace elements
Fresh carrots are a healing complex from nature itself. Root crops contain carotenoids, vitamins B1, B2, C, E, potassium, iron, copper, cobalt, pantothenic and ascorbic acid, flavonoids, phytoncides, sugars. Carrots are valuable in large amounts of fiber and have a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.Root seeds contain essential oil. Its amount depends on the geographical location of the collection of raw materials, the stage of vegetation of carrots. Many vitamins are destroyed by heat treatment, so the product is better to eat raw.
Useful properties, preserving them during cooking
The composition of the root crop explains its widespread use in nutrition and medicine. Vegetables have a positive effect on the cardiovascular, digestive, immune systems, vision, and appearance.
The use of carrots contributes to:
- strengthening the retina, preventing conjunctivitis;
- the destruction of bacteria, parasites;
- skin condition improvement;
- the growth and development of children;
- normalization of the gastrointestinal tract;
- prevention of vitamin deficiency, anemia;
- weight loss;
- removing cholesterol from the body.
Carrot is a vegetable of beauty. It improves complexion, hair growth, and fights against skin aging. Include carrots in the diet year-round, especially in the spring, when the body needs additional fortification.
The refrigerator is the best place to store vegetables. Before you put the root vegetables in the tray, rinse, dry them, place them in a plastic bag. It protects carrots from the penetration of essential substances from other vegetables and fruits, which give it a bitter taste.
Freezing is another way to preserve the beneficial properties of the root crop. Before putting carrots in the chamber, it is necessary to wash, peel, chop, place in plastic bags, tie tightly. The root crop is added to soup, stew without preliminary defrosting.
The tops, rich in vitamins, microelements, can be chopped, dried and added to meat and fish dishes.
How to cook carrots
It is most useful to eat raw carrots. It is recommended to season it with vegetable fat, cream, sour cream. This combination helps transform carotene into vitamin A.
Options for eating vegetables:
- grated carrot salads with the addition of radish, apple, dried fruit, cabbage, celery, seasoned with vegetable oil or sour cream;
- spicy dish "Carrot in Korean";
- chopped raw product sticks;
- freshly squeezed juice with cream;
- braised carrots.
Fresh is not subject to storage due to the rapid oxidation process. It can be diluted with water, mixed with freshly squeezed apple or orange juice. Vitamins are absorbed better if you drink fresh in small sips.
In boiled carrots, the amount of fiber is reduced. A vegetable preserves the maximum number of useful properties if it is steamed or in water for no more than 7 minutes. The core of properly cooked carrots should remain slightly solid.
Contraindications
The norm of carrots per day for an adult is 2-3 fruits, for a child - 1 pc. An excess of vegetable in the diet is fraught with rashes on the skin, a feeling of nausea, yellowing of the skin on the palms, feet.
People with gastrointestinal ailments, gallstone disease, allergic reactions, pregnant and lactating women are advised to consult a doctor about the acceptable dosages of carrots in their daily diet.
Important! Do you want to have an eagle-like eye, beautiful velvet skin, luxurious hair, a toned figure, strong immunity? Include carrots in your daily diet.
Nutritional value, rich chemical composition, low cost makes the vegetable an indispensable assistant in the struggle for youth and health.
