carrots Archives - Amazing Health Advances

4 UNEXPECTED Benefits of Eating Carrots

AHA Publisher — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 07:00:25 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Carrots have a well-deserved reputation as a healthy food that can benefit eyesight. These sweet, crunchy root vegetables are extraordinarily high in beta-carotene, the plant pigment responsible for their brilliant orange color. The body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A, which is essential for vision. And lutein – another plant pigment in carrots – actually reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older Americans. While carrots’ most obvious health benefits center on protecting and enhancing vision, they do confer additional gifts – some of which may surprise you! For example, a recent Japanese study revealed that a carrot-based herbal medicine may help prevent a serious complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). And, that’s not all. For more intriguing benefits of carrots, keep reading. Here Is How Carrots Promote Healthy Weight and Improve the Gut Microbiome Carrots, botanically known as Daucus carota, mainly consist of water and carbohydrates. However, this doesn’t mean they lack nutritional value – carrots manage to sneak in quite a few valuable vitamins, minerals and nutrients as well. A 100-gram serving (two medium carrots) provides almost 3 grams of fiber, much of it in the form of the soluble fiber pectin. Along with carrots’ natural sweetness, this makes them a satisfying snack that may help prevent binge eating. In addition, insoluble fibers in carrots – including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignins – help prevent constipation and keep the digestive system moving. But carrots’ main claim to digestive health is that they contain a powerful natural prebiotic known as arabinogalactan. Prebiotics improve the gut microbiome (the community of beneficial microorganisms in the digestive tract) by encouraging “friendly” bacteria – such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Because the gut microbiome affects immunity, metabolism, and even mood, anything that supports its health is a big “plus.” But Wait, There Are More Benefits! Carrots Even Protect Against Heart Disease By contributing fiber to the diet, carrots help support cardiovascular health. In a scientific review published in Nutrients, researchers noted that adequate fiber intake consistently lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. Dr. Somdat Mahabir – a nutrition and disease expert with the National Institutes of Health – agrees, stating that dietary fiber lowers harmful LDL cholesterol and reduces the risk for developing heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Fiber may also help to reduce levels of inflammatory molecules such as C-reactive protein. However, carrots’ soluble and insoluble fibers don’t get all the credit for supporting heart health. Carrots are a good source of the essential mineral potassium, which is vital for healthy blood pressure. They also contain vitamin K, which may help to protect against artery-clogging atherosclerosis. Reduce Your Cancer Risk With Carrots One of the most remarkable benefits of carrots is their potential to discourage cancer. Their antioxidant compounds – which include beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and polyacetylenes – can help to scavenge harmful free radicals and prevent the oxidative damage that may trigger cancer. In fact, one study showed that women with high levels of circulating carotenoids were at lower risk of developing breast cancer. (Carrots seem to be protective against cancers of the colon, prostate, and stomach as well). Although experts agree that a diet high in carrots and other antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables helps to prevent cancer, it is possible that carrots may eventually play a role in treating it. In a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods, scientists found that carrot juice extracts caused cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (or “cell suicide”) in leukemia cells. The impressed researchers concluded that carrots “may be an excellent source of bioactive chemicals for the treatment of leukemia.” Carrots May Help Prevent a Serious Complication of COPD COPD, which currently affects 16 million Americans, can cause severe difficulty in breathing. In addition, COPD can lead to sarcopenia, or muscle wasting and atrophy. While exercise is the only established treatment for COPD, sarcopenia impairs physical activity – causing further deterioration in lung function and leading to a downward spiral in health and quality of life. However, carrots may be able to come to the rescue. In a promising animal study conducted by researchers at Osaka City University and published in 2020 in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, the team found that a carrot-based Japanese herbal medicine known as “Ninjin’yoeito” helped to prevent muscle atrophy in mice exposed to cigarette smoke. Study leader Professor Kazuhisa Asai called the preparation a potential treatment for COPD-related sarcopenia in humans and expressed hope that the carrot medicine could help break the “vicious cycle of sarcopenia frailty.” And, while raw carrots are a healthy snack, cooked carrots may be even more beneficial – as their beta-carotene is easier for the body to absorb. Consuming some healthy fat along with carrots is also a good way to increase absorbability. Of course, don’t eat carrots if you are allergic to them. Experts report that allergy to birch and/or mugwort pollen may make a carrot allergy more likely. Don’t let the cartoonish orange color and everyday appearance of carrots blind you to their amazing benefits. When it comes to discouraging serious conditions such as obesity, heart disease, cancer, and sarcopenia, carrots appear to be “serious medicine.” Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com Healthline.com NIH.gov BrightFocus.org NewsinHealth.NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Delicious Breakfast Banana Green Smoothie

AHA Publisher — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 07:00:19 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Delicious Breakfast Banana Green Smoothie INGREDIENTS 2 cups baby spinach leaves, or to taste 1 banana 1 carrot, peeled and cut into large chunks 3/4 cup organic plain Greek yogurt, or to taste 3/4 cup ice 2 tablespoons raw honey DIRECTIONS Put spinach, banana, carrot, yogurt, ice, and honey in a blender; blend until smooth. For added benefits: add one scoop of Green Supremefood To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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3 Delicious Detox Recipes

AHA Publisher — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 08:00:02 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Are you ready for more energy, vitality, wellness, and zest? If so, you can start today with delicious detox recipes and Dr. Colbert’s 21 Day Detox and Fast. A yearly or quarterly detox can help you achieve this. A 21-day detox is a great way to help your body rid itself of accumulated toxins, support your immune system, and experience great energy. The best part? Our detox recipes are delicious. The ingredients are hand-picked to detoxify and cleanse your body. They are easy, flavorful, and satisfying. Here are 3 favorites. 3 Delicious Detox Recipes 1. Energizing Avocado Slices Ingredients ½ large avocado 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 teaspoon each chopped oregano, thyme, and rosemary Instructions Slice avocado lengthwise into 4-8 thin slices. Set on a plate. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. Drizzle mixture over avocado slices and enjoy! Serves 1. Nutrition info: 242 calories, 25 grams fat, 7 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams fiber, 2 grams protein 2. Cleansing Ginger Carrot Soup Ingredients 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 medium white onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon coriander 3 cups chopped carrots (approx. 7 large carrots) 3 cups organic vegetable stock 1 cup canned organic full-fat coconut milk salt and pepper to taste 4 tablespoons chopped cilantro 1 lime, quartered Instructions Pour olive oil into a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and saute until tender, about 5-6 minutes. Add garlic. Continue to stir saute 2 more minutes, until highly fragrant. Add the ginger, carrot, and spices. Stir to combine and continue to cook for 3 minutes. If the mixture begins to dry out, add a few tablespoons of water. Add coconut milk and broth. Bring to a low simmer, uncovered for about 20-25 minutes or until the carrots are tender enough to pierce with a fork. Blend soup with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender or food processor to puree until smooth. Pour back into the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serves 4. Nutrition info: 267 calories, 12 grams fat, 19 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber, 4 grams protein 3. Herbed Cauliflower and Chickpea Dinner Ingredients 1 head cauliflower, leaves removed, bottom stem trimmed 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1–15 ounce canned organic chickpeas drained and rinsed Herbed Oil 1 garlic clove ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus 2 tablespoons for serving) ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped (plus 2 tablespoons for serving) 1 scallion, thinly sliced Juice of 1 lemon + 1 lemon, quartered (for serving) 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 3–4 tablespoons water Instructions Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F. Cut cauliflower lengthwise into 3/4-inch “steaks.” Set aside. Whisk together the olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add cauliflower and chickpeas into the mixture. Stir to combine and coat. Pour mixture onto a lined sheet pan and arrange in a single layer, as much as possible, with cauliflower slices lined up on the pan. Roast in a heated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping at 15 minutes. Cauliflower should be browned at the edges, and the chickpeas crispy when done. Meanwhile, prepare herbed oil by mixing all ingredients in a food processor. When the cauliflower mixture is ready, remove it from the oven. Drizzle the oil mixture over the cauliflower and chickpeas. Garnish with extra parsley, cilantro, and freshly squeezed lemon quarter. Serves 4. Nutrition info: 370 calories, 24 grams fat, 29 grams carbohydrates, 7 grams fiber, 8 grams protein Criteria for Delicious Detox Recipes What makes a great detox recipe? There are 3 important criteria. First, it eliminates foods that harm the body, such as sugars, refined carbohydrates, processed fats, and more. Next, it encourages the use of organic, high-quality, detoxifying foods. As much as possible, use organic, local, and fresh foods during your detox to avoid pesticides, man-made chemicals, harmful preservatives, and toxins. Lastly, it focuses on foods and ingredients known to support the immune system, detoxification processes, and overall health. These foods include fresh herbs, lemon juice, healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, and more. Bottom Line Detox has never been this delicious and satisfying. You can get started with Dr. Colbert’s 21 Day Detox and fast right now — it’s free! And, try these 3 delicious detox recipe today! To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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Healthy Coleslaw Recipe

AHA Publisher — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 07:00:38 +0000

Dr. Axe – This healthy coleslaw recipe is a favorite during the summer months! Just switching out a few ingredients. INGREDIENTS: 3 tablespoons paleo mayonnaise 3 tablespoons goat or coconut kefir 1 tablespoon dijon mustard 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar 2 cups shredded red cabbage 2 cups shredded green cabbage 1 cup grated carrots sea salt, to taste black pepper, to taste DIRECTIONS: Combine mayonnaise, kefir, mustard and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. In a large mixing bowl, add in cabbage and carrots. Stir in mayonnaise mixture until well combined. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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