Baby carrots are crunchy, cute, and nutritious. Contrary to the name, baby carrots are not “baby” or less mature versions of regular carrots. They are just regular carrots that are peeled, chopped, and stored in a bag. They are easy to eat as a snack, making them a popular choice among salad or vegetable lovers. Plus, eating baby carrots regularly can be great for your skin and overall health. A new study found that eating a snack of baby carrots just three times a week significantly increased skin carotenoids in young adults. For those who don’t know, carotenoids are powerful antioxidants that can reduce free radicals in the skin and increase resilience against environmental challenges and oxidative stress.
Lower risk of chronic diseases, improved skin health and immune function
Researchers report that high levels of skin carotenoids are associated with increased antioxidant protection and a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers. This marker also reflects better skin health and immune function. Carrots are an exceptionally rich source of carotenes and vitamin A.
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How Eating Baby Carrots Improves Skin Carotenoids
For the study, researchers randomly assigned 60 young adults to different groups. One was given 100 grams (about half a cup) of baby carrots daily for four weeks. Researchers found that skin carotenoid scores increased significantly by 10.8 percent, compared with levels before the intervention. The study findings were presented at Nutrition 2024, the flagship annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, held from June 29 to July 2 in Chicago.
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Other Health Benefits of Carrots
Here are some more research-backed health benefits of eating carrots:
1. Prevents vision loss
Long-term studies have shown that consuming carrots (foods rich in beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin) may help protect vision and reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
2. Promotes heart health
Research has found that the polyphenols in carrots can increase bile secretion. This can help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which will be beneficial for your heart health.
3. Maintains dental health
Carrots may also be beneficial for your dental health. One study evaluated rates of tooth loss in a Japanese elderly population and found that higher intake of beta-carotene (through foods like carrots) protected against dental problems.
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Eating and Storing Baby Carrots
Baby carrots are best eaten raw as a snack. You can eat them straight away or have them with hummus or homemade hung curd dip with garlic and herbs. When it comes to storage, baby carrots have a shorter shelf life than regular carrots. You can store them in the refrigerator for about four weeks.