Drinking carrot juice can deliver a wealth of benefits and a more concentrated burst of nutrients than eating carrots alone, which is why it is considered one of the best vegetable juices to maintain optimal health. Carrot juice is generally made from fresh raw carrots and is considered a healthy beverage all over the world.
These vegetables are famed for their high-level contents of beta-carotene, as well as vitamin K and various other key nutrients, which may explain their popularity in juice form. However, unlike many other fruit and vegetable juices, the yield of carrot juice is quite small in comparison to the number of carrots required to make it. In other words, a single carrot is approximately 1 serving, whereas a single cup of carrot juice requires 3 large carrots to produce.
While eating carrots is good for your health, drinking carrot juice is also a great way to take in all the nutrients. Carrot juice provides more than 3 times the recommended amount of vitamin A, as well as significant amounts of magnesium, potassium, calcium, vitamin B6 and phosphorous. In this concentrated form, carrot juice can provide a huge amount of notable benefits with few side effects. [1]
Watch Video: 8 Health Benefits Of Carrot Juice
Serving Size : Nutrient Value Water [g] 88.87 Energy 40 Energy [kJ] 165 Protein [g] 0.95 Total lipid (fat) [g] 0.15 Ash [g] 0.75 Carbohydrate, by difference [g] 9.28 Fiber, total dietary [g] 0.8 Sugars, total including NLEA [g] 3.91 Calcium, Ca [mg] 24 Iron, Fe [mg] 0.46 Magnesium, Mg [mg] 14 Phosphorus, P [mg] 42 Potassium, K [mg] 292 Sodium, Na [mg] 66 Zinc, Zn [mg] 0.18 Copper, Cu [mg] 0.05 Manganese, Mn [mg] 0.13 Selenium, Se [µg] 0.6 Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] 8.5 Thiamin [mg] 0.09 Riboflavin [mg] 0.06 Niacin [mg] 0.39 Pantothenic acid [mg] 0.23 Vitamin B-6 [mg] 0.22 Folate, total [µg] 4 Folate, food [µg] 4 Folate, DFE [µg] 4 Choline, total [mg] 9.9 Vitamin A, RAE [µg] 956 Carotene, beta [µg] 9303 Carotene, alpha [µg] 4342 Vitamin A, IU [IU] 19124 Lycopene [µg] 2 Lutein + zeaxanthin [µg] 333 Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg] 1.16 Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg] 15.5 Fatty acids, total saturated [g] 0.03 12:0 [g] 0 14:0 [g] 0 16:0 [g] 0.02 18:0 [g] 0 Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] 0.01 16:1 [g] 0 18:1 [g] 0.01 Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] 0.07 18:2 [g] 0.06 18:3 [g] 0.01 Sources include : USDA [3]
Benefits of Carrot Juice
The most impressive health benefits of carrot juice include its potential ability to prevent cancer, improve vision health, lower blood pressure, stimulating the immune system, speeding up the metabolism, protecting cognitive health, strengthening the nervous system and optimizing digestion, among others.
Anticancer Potential
The many antioxidants found in carrots are transferred to the juice, including high levels of beta-carotene. Research has shown that antioxidants are able to reduce oxidative stress in the body, preventing the mutation of healthy cells and lowering your risk of cancer. Dr. Dong Van Hoang, Duong Nhu Tran, (et al.), researchers at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam published a study in the Nutrients Journal that highlights the ability of beta-carotene to lower the risk of prostate cancer. A sample of 652 participants (244 incident prostate cancer patients, aged 64–75 years,) were administered with a diet of carrots for a period of time, following which it was concluded that those who had a higher intake of the vegetable were likely to show a lower risk of prostate cancer. [4]
Lowers Blood Pressure
With significant levels of potassium (approximately 15% of your daily required intake), this juice is excellent for protecting heart health by lowering blood pressure and preventing the dangers of hypertension. As a vasodilator, potassium helps to ease tension in blood vessels and arteries, which protects cardiovascular health. [5]
Increases your Metabolism
Carrot juice is extremely rich in B vitamins, particularly vitamin B6, thiamine, and riboflavin. B vitamins are critical to certain metabolic activities in the body, as well as nerve function and brain function, helping all of your organs run properly. [6]
Add some mango pulp and ginger while making carrot juice for a unique flavor. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Improves Cognitive Function
The same oxidative stress responsible for mutations and cancer can damage brain function, causing neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia. The beta-carotene and other antioxidants found in carrot juice are able to counter these effects, and studies have shown that regular carrot juice supplementation can improve cognitive function. [7]
Improves Bone Mineral Density
With an impressive range of minerals, particularly potassium, calcium, phosphorous and magnesium, this concentrated juice is excellent for preventing the early onset of osteoporosis and boosting your bone mineral density levels. [8]
Improves Digestive
A unique thing about carrot juice is that it can stimulate bile secretion, which improves digestive efficiency and optimizes nutrient uptake. Furthermore, carrot juice is a good source of dietary fiber, which can treat symptoms of constipation, cramping and bloating by stimulating peristaltic motion in the gut. [9]
Improves Vision
The legendary effects of beta-carotene on vision health are well known in the natural remedy community, and since carrot juice is such an incredibly concentrated source of this nutrient, it is often recommended for people with poor vision. It can protect against further damage to the retina and slow down the onset of cataracts. [10]
Boosts Immunity
There are notable amounts of vitamin C found in carrot juice, which will stimulate the production of white blood cells by the body, in addition to acting as an antioxidant on its own. The other antioxidant substances, including vitamin E and vitamin A, can also help to protect the body from oxidative stress and chronic disease, which supports the immune system. [11]
Soothes Skin Irritation
Carrot juice has long been known as a skin health aid, thanks to the presence of beta-carotene and vitamin C. Beta-carotene has certain anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions, while vitamin C’s immune boost can eliminate any underlying infections on the skin. [12]
