7 beneficial properties of carrot juice for humans and contraindications

Carrot juice contains fewer biologically active components than whole carrots , but still has significant health value. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and contains a small amount of fiber.

Scientists claim that freshly squeezed carrot juice has tangible benefits for humans. It can reduce the risk of developing cancer and cardiovascular pathologies, improve the functioning of the brain and visual organs, and help lose weight.

How it is useful – 7 facts

The 7 main beneficial properties of taking carrot juice are described below (based on scientific sources of information).

1. Accelerates metabolism

According to the French scientific community, carrot juice increases blood flow and oxygen uptake rate in muscle and liver cells. This leads to an acceleration of metabolism in general and an increase in bile secretion.

Increased bile production, in turn, also increases the activity of energy processes in the body and allows the utilization of fat cells to meet the needs.

Systematic intake of the drink allows you to improve the productivity of training, as well as reduce body weight. The effects are not related to hormonal mechanisms and manifest themselves in the same way in the body of men and women.

2. Improves eyesight

The drink contains a large amount of vitamin A. This substance is necessary to maintain vision.

With regular intake of vitamin A in the body, there is an increase in night vision acuity.

Experts from the USA fixed there is a direct link between the high level of consumption of carrot-based products and the low incidence of macular degeneration, which can lead to partial or complete loss of vision.

It is also recommended to drink carrot juice with increased stress on the organs of vision (prolonged reading or driving a car).

3. Fighting cancer

In large studies ("in vitro") carrot juice extract called death of malignant cells or cessation of their division within 72 hours.

The drink has antioxidant properties and protects cells from the effects of free radicals. It is these aggressive molecules that can cause damage or disruption of division, leading to the appearance of tumors.

The effectiveness of the product has also been noted in observational studies. For example, with an abundance of beta-carotene in the diet, prostate tumors are less common in men.

4. Improves brain health

Beta-carotene, which is part of carrot juice, Improves cognitive functions (memory, concentration, thinking), and also helps to prevent the development of neurodegenerative diseases (for example, Alzheimer's disease).

The healing property is based on the ability of carrot juice to fight oxidative stress, which slows down the transmission of nerve impulses between brain cells.

Specialists of the Medical University of Silesia (Poland) revealed that only 12 mg of beta-carotene (in 200 ml of carrot juice more than 20 mg) consumed for 12 weeks significantly reduces oxidative stress caused by taking lead.

5. Reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood

Multiple studies demonstrate that the active ingredients of carrots are capable of Normalize cholesterol levels in the blood and prevent the development of deadly pathologies.

For example, French specialists revealed that the drink reduces the amount of triglycerides ("harmful cholesterol") in the blood, reduces the rate of reverse absorption of cholesterol from the intestine.

Only 200 grams of carrots or 150 ml of juice, consumed once a day for 3 weeks, leads reduces total cholesterol in the blood by 11%, increases the excretion of bile acids from the body by 50%.

As a result, the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of arteries and the development of vascular catastrophes (myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke) are prevented.

6. Reduces the risk of anemia

Carrot juice, as already mentioned, is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Vitamin C, according to scientists, Increases bioavailability of iron supplied with food, and serves as an effective means of preventing anemia associated with chronic blood loss (heavy menstruation, uterine and gastrointestinal bleeding), as well as primary bone marrow damage (aplastic anemia).

With anemia, all organs experience oxygen starvation, irreversible changes associated with fibrous transformation may occur. That is why it is important to prevent or cure this pathology in a timely manner. Carrot juice can be a significant help in therapy (together with medications).

It is important to note that vitamin C is rapidly destroyed, so it is recommended to take freshly squeezed juice.

7. Improves bowel function

Carrot juice contains a small amount of fiber (about 1 gram per 100 ml).

Dietary Fiber increase the number of beneficial microorganisms, inhibit the growth and reproduction of pathogenic and opportunistic forms.

Full-fledged microbiocenosis connected with many benefits for the body: from reducing the risk of cancer to improving brain activity.

According to research conducted in Italy, juice increases the production of butyrate in the intestinal lumen, which protects the cells of the large intestine from malignant transformation, as well as from toxic and infectious agents.

Identified there is also a link between a low incidence of constipation (regular and healthy stools) and regular consumption of foods containing carrot juice or pulp.

Harm and contraindications

Carrot juice has contraindications and in rare cases can cause harm to health. Common side effects are:

1. Poisoning. Carrots are capable of absorbing any dangerous substances from the surrounding air or soil. If the vegetable is grown incorrectly, toxic substances (heavy metals) can enter the body and cause intoxication.
2. Skin color change. With increased intake of carrot juice, the skin may temporarily change color to orange or brown, and urine may darken. For adults, this phenomenon is not dangerous, but violates the aesthetics of the image.
3. Allergic reactions. Allergopathologies in case of sensitization of the body to carrots are common and are characterized mainly by a mild course (urticaria, lesions of the mucous membranes). Cases of cross-allergy to birch pollen or wormwood have been described.

The drink can be consumed during pregnancy in order to improve metabolic processes and make up for vitamin deficiency.

Carrot juice should not be taken while breastfeeding, as it can harm infants. Beta-carotene is transmitted through breast milk and can increase sensitivity to sunlight or change skin color. Therefore, during breastfeeding, carrots and all products based on them are contraindicated.

Children are allowed to give no more than 30-50 ml of juice per day.

Admission Tips

Let's focus on the main rules of healthy drinking.

1. Which juice to choose. It is best to take freshly squeezed juice (within 30 minutes of cooking), as it quickly loses nutrients. Store-bought or canned juices are of little use.
2. When you can drink. Carrot juice is preferably taken during the day and after meals. Fasting can have a detrimental effect on the digestive system.
3. As much as possible per day. An adult is recommended to drink no more than 200-300 ml of the drink per day, the maximum daily dose is 600 ml.
4. What to combine. Carrot juice perfectly harmonizes with fruit juices (apple, pear, orange), as well as juices of other vegetables (pumpkin, beetroot, celery). To improve the absorption of valuable substances in carrot juice, you need to add a little fat: a few drops of cream, sour cream, vegetable oil or fatty milk.

Conclusion

1. Carrot juice is a natural and healthy product.
2. It can improve the functioning of the central nervous system and intestines, prevent the development of cardiovascular and oncological diseases, help in weight loss and in the prevention of anemia.
3. In order to reveal all the benefits and prevent the appearance of side effects, it is recommended to carefully approach the choice and use of the drink. It is contraindicated for people who have previously been allergic to the product, as well as for women during breastfeeding.