I launched my smoothie line for my In the Pink. Running on its third week, I selected 3 flavors for this week.
l Immunity Smoothie- Apple Carrot Orange Smoothie
l Rehydrate Cocktail- Apple Cucumber Orange Smoothie
l Feel Better Water- Watermelon Ginger Apple Smoothie
Over the last 3 weeks, carrots are my always-present ingredient in most of my smoothies. I know it can be an acquired taste for some but carrots actually have a lot of health benefits hence making a comeback every week as part of my smoothie line.
Daucus carota, as known in the scientific community, is a root vegetable in which the taproot is the commonly eaten. In the smoothies that I make, it is the taproot that I add in. These roots contain high quantities of alpha- and beta-carotene, a good source of vitamin K and vitamin B6. Other vitamins that can be found in carrots are vitamin A, C, K and B8.
Its benefits includes reduced cholesterol, improves vision and pre-mature aging. It also has helps in the improvement of the skin, boosts immune system, hence being part of my Immunity Smoothie for this week. It also aids in digestion because of its antiseptic qualities and that’s why it was also part of the Anti-Constipation Smoothie from week 1.
Since carrots reduce cholesterol and prevent heart diseases. In a study done in Edinburgh, Scotland, it was revealed that 11% percent if seven oz of raw carrots per day are consumed for three weeks. As mentioned earlier, carrots boost immune system and this is because of the rich source of vitamin C and vitamin C is known to stimulate the activity of white blood cells and is an important element of the human immune system. Carrots, has high dietary fiber and fiber is known to play a role in maintaining good digestive health. Fiber helps keep digestive system to run smoothly. Essential fibers called prebiotics help probiotics flourish inside the intestines and probiotics are the good bacteria that helped improve digestive health. Fiber also helps in controlling cravings, so when you are feeling hungry, you might want to chomp on carrots.
Beta-carotene has been noted to play a role in reducing cancer especially lung cancer, colon cancer and breast cancer. Beta-carotene is known to be a powerful antioxidant and a pre-cursor of vitamin A. It also acts as antioxidants and antioxidants bond with free radicals aiding in reducing the risk of cancer. Since beta-carotene is a pre-cursor of vitamin A, it also help in reducing macular degeneration.
Because of health benefits of carrots, let me share some ideas on how to consume carrots.
1. Smoothies
Let me share a couple of smoothies that used carrots for In the Pink.
Anti-Constipation Smoothie
Carrots, Apple, Banana, Lemon and milk
Refreshing Day 3 Smoothie
Carrots, Lemon, Berries(blueberry and cranberry) and milk
Immunity Smoothie
Apple, Carrot, Orange and milk
2. Salad
The following salads are what I found from the internet.
Three Ingredient Carrot Slaw
Carrots, sunflower seeds and vinegar salad dressing
Cucumber Carrot Salad
Carrots, green onions, red bell pepper, cucumber and vinegar salad dressing
Carrot Raisin Salad
Carrots, raisin, walnuts, Celery, coconut, Mayonnaise and Cider Vinegar
3. Veggie side dish
If you are not fan of the raw carrots, they can also be cooked.
Miso-glazed Peas and Carrots
Miso, mirin, rice vinegar, ginger, sesame oil and carrots
Sesame Snap Peas with Carrots and Peppers
Snap Peas, Red Bell Peppers, Carrot, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil and sesame seeds
Napa Cabbage and Carrots with Rice Wine Oyster Sauce
Shallot, garlic, napa cabbage and carrot
Carrots have a lot of health benefits and you can enjoy it whether it’s raw or cooked.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/fiber-digestion
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/19395/side-dishes/vegetable/carrots/
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