LIGHT UP YOUR BEAUTY WITH CARROTS / BETA-CAROTENES

Carrot is one of the most healing foods that provides the finest and highest quality in nutrients, especially from its juice. It is an excellent source of pro-vitamin A, vitamins C, D, E, K, B1 and B6.

It is rich with biotin, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, organic sodium and some trace minerals. It is the antioxidant beta-carotene that gives carrots their bright orange color. Beta-carotene is absorbed in the intestine and converted into vitamin A during digestion.

The high quality vitamin A & C and other rich nutrients in carrot juice efficiently nourish the skin, preventing dry skin, psoriasis and other skin blemishes. We recommend only one carrot juice a week to our patients. Overconsumption of carotene may cause a slight orange tinge in skin color but is not harmful to health.

The known phytonutrients in carrots are lutein, lycopene, anti-oxidants alpha, beta and gamma carotenes, zeaxanthin and xanthophyll may also help with blood sugar regulation, delay the effects of aging, and improve immune function.

Beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin are some of the finest nourishment that help keep the optic system in tip-top condition, with special protection against astigmatism, macular degeneration and cataracts.

Other Possible health benefits of carrots:
Cancer: A variety of dietary carotenoids have been shown to have anti-cancer effects due to their antioxidant power in reducing free radicals in the body. Lung Cancer: One study found that current smokers who did not consume carrots had three times the risk of developing lung cancer compared with those who ate carrots more than once a week. Colorectal Cancer: Beta-carotene consumption has been shown to have an inverse association with the development of colon cancer in the Japanese population.³
Leukemia: Carrot juice extract was shown to kill leukemia cells and inhibit their progression in a 2011 study. Prostate Cancer: Among younger men, diets rich in beta-carotene may play a protective role against prostate cancer, according to a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health's Department of Nutrition.⁵
Vision: According to Duke ophthalmologist Jill Koury, MD, vitamin A deficiency causes the outer segments of the eye's photoreceptors to deteriorate, damaging normal vision. Correcting vitamin A deficiencies with foods high in beta-carotene will restore vision.

References:

1. "Carrots, green vegetables and lung cancer: a case-control study." Pisani P, Berrino F, Macaluso M, Pastorino U, Crosignani P, Baldasseroni A. Int J Epidemiol. 1986 Dec;15(4):463-8. Abstract. Accessed 13 December 2013.
2. "Inverse associations between serum concentrations of zeaxanthin and other carotenoids and colorectal neoplasm in Japanese." Okuyama Y, Ozasa K, Oki K, Nishino H, Fujimoto S, Watanabe Y. Int J Clin Oncol. 5 Feb 2013. Abstract. Accessed 13 December 2013.
3. "Bioactive chemicals from carrot (Daucus carota) juice extracts for the treatment of leukemia." Zaini R, Clench MR, Le Maitre CL. J Med Food. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2010.0284. 2011 Nov;14(11):1303-12. Abstract. Accessed 13 December 2013.
4. "Plasma and dietary carotenoids, and the risk of prostate cancer: a nested case-control study." Wu K, Erdman JW Jr, Schwartz SJ, Platz EA, Leitzmann M, Clinton SK, DeGroff V, Willett WC, Giovannucci. E. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2004 Feb;13(2):260-9.Abstract. Accessed 13 December 2013.
5. "Myth or Fact: Eating Carrots Improves Eyesight" DukeHealth.org. Accessed 13 December 2013.