Carrot
Carrot
Carrot is an edible root vegetable that is consumed raw as well as in cooked form. It is mostly orange in color but purple, black, red, white and yellow varieties are also available.
Taking raw Carrots in your daily diet helps in managing digestive problems as they are a rich source of dietary fiber. Carrot is also helpful in managing high cholesterol due to its anti-cholesterol property. It also helps improve eyesight when taken regularly in the form of juice.
Applying Carrot paste or juice helps rejuvenate skin and fastens wound healing. Carrot seed oil can be used to massage the scalp and hair so as to control hair fall and promote hair growth.
Excess consumption of Carrot should be avoided as it may cause “Yellow Skin” or “Carotenoderma”[2-6][14][15][18].
Taking raw Carrots in your daily diet helps in managing digestive problems as they are a rich source of dietary fiber. Carrot is also helpful in managing high cholesterol due to its anti-cholesterol property. It also helps improve eyesight when taken regularly in the form of juice.
Applying Carrot paste or juice helps rejuvenate skin and fastens wound healing. Carrot seed oil can be used to massage the scalp and hair so as to control hair fall and promote hair growth.
Excess consumption of Carrot should be avoided as it may cause “Yellow Skin” or “Carotenoderma”[2-6][14][15][18].
What are the synonyms of Carrot?
Daucus carota, Gajram, Gazar, Gajjati, Gajar, Gajjarakiangu, Gajjaragedda, Gajara, Gazara, Karaffu, Bazrul, Jazar, Zardak, Tukhmegazar[1].
What is the source of Carrot?
Plant Based
Benefits of Carrot
Modern Science View
Carrot may be beneficial in managing diarrhea. Due to its antibacterial property it inhibits the growth of diarrhea-causing bacteria like E.coli. Carrot soup has been used to manage diarrhea in infants[6][14][15].
Ayurvedic View
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Taking Carrot during diarrhea helps to retain water or fluid in the body. This is due to its Grahi (absorbent) property and controls the frequency of passing stool.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 fresh Carrot or as per your requirement.
2. Eat preferably before meals or in the breakfast to control diarrhea.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 fresh Carrot or as per your requirement.
2. Eat preferably before meals or in the breakfast to control diarrhea.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Carrot may be useful in managing fibromyalgia[6][16].
Modern Science View
Carrot may be useful in managing diabetes. It increases the secretion of insulin and improves glucose tolerance[6][12][13].
Ayurvedic View
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Eating Carrot helps to correct impaired digestion and reduce the Ama due to its Vata balancing. Carrot also has Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties and helps correct the impaired function of insulin and maintain normal blood sugar level.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 fresh Carrot or as per requirement.
2. Eat preferably before meals or in breakfast.
3. Repeat this to maintain normal blood sugar level.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 fresh Carrot or as per requirement.
2. Eat preferably before meals or in breakfast.
3. Repeat this to maintain normal blood sugar level.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Carrot may be useful in managing constipation. This is due to the presence of high fibre content in Carrot[6][18].
Modern Science View
Carrot may be beneficial in managing cancer. It is rich in antioxidants and other compounds like β carotene and polyacetylenes that have anti-cancer property. Black Carrot contains high amount of anthocyanins that inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells[6][10][11][17].
How effective is Carrot?
Insufficient evidence
Cancer, Constipation, Diabetes, Diarrhea, Fibromyalgia
Precautions when using Carrot
Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
1. Avoid Carrot if you have diarrhea[7].
2. Avoid Carrot if you are on any hormonal therapy[7].
3. Carrot may increase the effect of laxative. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Carrot with other laxatives[7].
2. Avoid Carrot if you are on any hormonal therapy[7].
3. Carrot may increase the effect of laxative. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Carrot with other laxatives[7].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Carrot may lower blood sugar level. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood sugar level before taking Carrot with other anti-diabetic drugs[6].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Yellow skin.
2. Tooth decay[6].
2. Tooth decay[6].
Recommended Dosage of Carrot
- Carrot Juice - 5-6 teaspoon once or twice a day.
- Carrot Powder - 1/4-1/2 teaspoon twice a day.
- Carrot Capsule - 1-2 Capsules twice a day
How to use Carrot
1. Raw fresh Carrot
a. Take 3-4 fresh Carrot or as per r
equirement.
b. Eat preferably before meals or in breakfast.
2. Carrot salad
a. Wash and chop 1-2 Carrots.
b. Similarly add other veggies as well such as onion, tomato, cucumber as per your liking and requirement.
c. Squeeze ½ lemon and sprinkle some salt to taste.
3. Carrot Fresh Juice
a. Take 4-5 Carrot.
b. Wash and peel them properly.
c. Put them in a juicer.
d. Strain the juice.
e. Add black salt and few drops of lemon juice.
f. Have it preferably in the breakfast.
4. Carrot Fibre Capsules
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Carrot.
b. Swallow it with water or as per your requirement.
5. Carrot Powder
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Carrot powder.
b. Mix with water or honey and have it after meals.
c. Take it twice a day to manage digestive problems.
a. Take 3-4 fresh Carrot or as per r
equirement.
b. Eat preferably before meals or in breakfast.
2. Carrot salad
a. Wash and chop 1-2 Carrots.
b. Similarly add other veggies as well such as onion, tomato, cucumber as per your liking and requirement.
c. Squeeze ½ lemon and sprinkle some salt to taste.
3. Carrot Fresh Juice
a. Take 4-5 Carrot.
b. Wash and peel them properly.
c. Put them in a juicer.
d. Strain the juice.
e. Add black salt and few drops of lemon juice.
f. Have it preferably in the breakfast.
4. Carrot Fibre Capsules
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Carrot.
b. Swallow it with water or as per your requirement.
5. Carrot Powder
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Carrot powder.
b. Mix with water or honey and have it after meals.
c. Take it twice a day to manage digestive problems.
Benefits of Carrot
FAQs about Carrot benefits
Wound healing
Carrot helps in quick healing of wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
1. Take 1 -2 raw Carrot or as per your requirement.
2. Blend it to form a paste.
3. Add coconut oil to it.
4. Apply evenly on the affected area.
5. Let it remain the whole day for quick healing of wound.
Hair growth
Carrot Seed oil helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied on the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Applying Carrot seed oil promotes new hair growth and removes excessive dryness. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
1. Take 5 – 10 drops of Carrot seed oil.
2. Add to about 10 ml of base oil, like olive oil.
3. Massage on the scalp once a day to control hair fall.
Carrot helps in quick healing of wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
1. Take 1 -2 raw Carrot or as per your requirement.
2. Blend it to form a paste.
3. Add coconut oil to it.
4. Apply evenly on the affected area.
5. Let it remain the whole day for quick healing of wound.
Hair growth
Carrot Seed oil helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied on the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Applying Carrot seed oil promotes new hair growth and removes excessive dryness. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
1. Take 5 – 10 drops of Carrot seed oil.
2. Add to about 10 ml of base oil, like olive oil.
3. Massage on the scalp once a day to control hair fall.
Precautions when using Carrot
FAQs about Carrot precautions
Recommended Dosage of Carrot
- Carrot Powder - ½ -1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Carrot
1. Raw Carrot Paste
a. Take 1 raw Carrot.
b. Blend it to from a paste.
c. Add honey to it.
d. Apply evenly on the skin.
e. Let it sit for 1-2 hours.
f. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
g. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for brighter and fairer skin.
2. Carrot Seed Oil face cleanser
a. Take 4-5 drops of Carrot seed oil.
b. Add lavender oil to it.
c. Dip a cotton swab into it.
d. Wipe your face thoroughly with it.
e. Use this remedy once a day preferably before going to sleep.
3. Carrot Powder
a. Take ½- 1 teaspoon of Carrot powder
b. Add honey to it.
c. Apply evenly on the skin.
d. Let it sit for 1-2 hours.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for brighter and fairer skin.
a. Take 1 raw Carrot.
b. Blend it to from a paste.
c. Add honey to it.
d. Apply evenly on the skin.
e. Let it sit for 1-2 hours.
f. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
g. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for brighter and fairer skin.
2. Carrot Seed Oil face cleanser
a. Take 4-5 drops of Carrot seed oil.
b. Add lavender oil to it.
c. Dip a cotton swab into it.
d. Wipe your face thoroughly with it.
e. Use this remedy once a day preferably before going to sleep.
3. Carrot Powder
a. Take ½- 1 teaspoon of Carrot powder
b. Add honey to it.
c. Apply evenly on the skin.
d. Let it sit for 1-2 hours.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for brighter and fairer skin.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Carrots are a rich source of beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K, potassium and antioxidants. Carrots have a number of health benefits. The beta-carotene imparts orange color to Carrots. It is a potent antioxidant which gets converted into vitamin A in the body.
Modern Science View
As Carrots are rich in sugar. So if you eat 5-6 Carrots a day they are sufficient to meet 50% of body’s energy requirement in a day.
Modern Science View
Carrots does not make you tan. It is a natural sunscreen and protects your from the harmful radiations of the sun.
Ayurvedic View
No, In fact Carrot helps skin recover faster from external wounds and tanning and it also reduces skin inflammation due to Ropan(healing) property which speeds the healing process.
Modern Science View
Carrot Seed Oil has a SPF 38 – 40. This is the reason it is often regarded as natural sunscreen.
Modern Science View
Carrot juice is a delicious and nutritious drink rich in vitamins and minerals. Carrot juice can be prepared easily at home by following method:
1. Take 5-6 carrots or as per your requirement.
2. Wash them properly.
3. Peel and cut them into small pieces.
4. Put them in a juicer.
5. Strain the juice and separate the pulp.
6. Carrot juice is ready to serve.
Tip: You can serve Carrot juice as such or by mixing it with some other juices like orange juice,beetroot juice etc.
1. Take 5-6 carrots or as per your requirement.
2. Wash them properly.
3. Peel and cut them into small pieces.
4. Put them in a juicer.
5. Strain the juice and separate the pulp.
6. Carrot juice is ready to serve.
Tip: You can serve Carrot juice as such or by mixing it with some other juices like orange juice,beetroot juice etc.
Modern Science View
Carrot oil is beneficial for the hair and skin as it is rich in nutrients. Carrot oil can be made at home by the following method:
1. Take 2-3 fresh Carrots.
2. Wash and peel the skin of the Carrots.
3. Grate carrots with the use of a hand grater or food processor.
4. Place the grated carrots in a pan and add about 2 cups of oil of your choice (olive, coconut or almond oil) to it.
5. Heat the mixture and leave it for 24-72 hours, to allow the oil to infuse in carrot. 6. This will turn the color of the oil to orange.
7. Once the infusion process is complete, pour the carrots and oil mixture through a fine mesh strainer or muslin cloth and strain.
8. Reserve the oil and compost the carrots.
9. Store the oil in a glass jar in the refrigerator.
Tip: You can keep this oil for about 6-8 months if stored properly.
1. Take 2-3 fresh Carrots.
2. Wash and peel the skin of the Carrots.
3. Grate carrots with the use of a hand grater or food processor.
4. Place the grated carrots in a pan and add about 2 cups of oil of your choice (olive, coconut or almond oil) to it.
5. Heat the mixture and leave it for 24-72 hours, to allow the oil to infuse in carrot. 6. This will turn the color of the oil to orange.
7. Once the infusion process is complete, pour the carrots and oil mixture through a fine mesh strainer or muslin cloth and strain.
8. Reserve the oil and compost the carrots.
9. Store the oil in a glass jar in the refrigerator.
Tip: You can keep this oil for about 6-8 months if stored properly.
Modern Science View
Yes Carrot can be taken on an empty stomach. Carrot when eaten with other food inhibits the absorption of minerals. Eating Carrots 30 minutes before a meal or as a snack is good for health.
Modern Science View
The nutritional analysis of Carrot juice shows the presence of sugars in the form of sucrose, fructose and fibre. Therefore it is recommended to monitor your blood sugar while taking Carrots if you are diabetic[8].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Carrots are high in sugar and Madhur (sweet ) in taste. Carrots are good in diabetes as it can help manage blood glucose levels by improving the metabolism. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Modern Science View
Scientific evidence suggest that having too many Carrots can result in Carotenoderma. The condition is characterized by orange discoloration of the palms, soles and in areas having more sebaceous glands. The condition is harmless and subsides gradually when the dietary habits are regulated[9].
Modern Science View
Yes, Carrot is rich in β-carotene which gets converted to vitamin A in the body. It may be beneficial for eyesight as it restores vision[19][20].
Ayurvedic View
Carrot helps in weight management if taken on a regular basis. An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in meda dhatu and resulting in obesity. Taking Carrot helps to remove Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also corrects the imbalance of Meda dhatu thus controls overweight.
Ayurvedic View
Carrot helps to reduce the symptoms of piles when taken regularly. Piles are known as Arsh in Ayurveda which is caused by an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata. An aggravated Vata causes a low digestive fire, leading to constipation. This causes swelling in the veins in the rectum area leading to pile mass. Carrot helps to improve digestive fire and correct the digestives system. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties and reduce the symptoms of piles.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Carrot is said to be good for gout and hyperuricemia. This is because Carrot is alkaline in nature and an alkaline food-rich diet is good in case of gout[22][23].
Modern Science View
Yes, Carrot may be useful for kidney patients due to its antioxidant property. It may protect the kidney against oxidative damage by removing the free radicals[20][21].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, you can add Carrots to your daily diet in the form of salad. This is because it keeps your digestive system healthy due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Modern Science View
Yes, Carrots help manage cholesterol as they contain good quantity of soluble fibres which aids in lowering blood cholesterol levels. These fibers bind to bile acids, which contain cholesterol, and carries them through the digestive tract until they are excreted as waste[12].
Ayurvedic View
No, in fact, Carrot helps in controlling skin conditions like acne, eczema due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Carrot contains certain compounds that have anticancer property. Topical application of Carrot oil may be useful in managing skin cancer. Presence of β carotene and vitamin A in Carrot extract may also be useful in managing skin pigmentation[24][25][26].
Modern Science View
Carrot root oil is rich in antioxidants and protects the skin against UV-A radiation. Topical application of Carrot oil may be useful in managing skin cancer due to its antitumor property[25][27][28].
Modern Science View
There are not enough scientific evidence which supports the fact that Carrot can cause acne.
Ayurvedic View
Carrot generally does not cause acne because of its Sita (cold) property. It gives a cooling and healing effect on the skin.
Modern Science View
Yes, Carrot oil helps in skin lightening as it contains certain constituents which have sun blocking, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants protect the skin by limiting the production of free radicals, which can damage skin cells and helps in maintaining clearer skin by reducing pigmentation or dark spots[10][11].
Ayurvedic View
Carrot oil might help in skin lightening due to its Pitta balancing property. Applying Carrot oil might help to restore the natural color and texture of the skin.
References
- Balkrishnan A.Gajar.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
- Jain PK, Khurana N, Pounikar Y, et al.Hepatoprotective Effect of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) on Paracetamol Intoxicated Rats.IJPPT.2017;1(2):17-22.
- Mahammad SB, Tripthi S, Satish S, et al.Therapeutic Uses of Daucus carota: A Review.IJPACR.2017;3(2):138-143.
- Al-Snafi EA.Nutritional and therapeutic importance of Daucus carota- A review.IOSR Journal Of Pharmacy.2017;7(2):72-88.
- Shenoy PA, Hedge K.PHARMACOLOGICAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF DAUCUS CAROTA: A REVIEW.IJPACR.2018.4(2):77-82.
- WebMD.Carrot: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
- Rygg GL.Sugars in the root of the Carrot.Plant Physiol.1945;20(1): 47–50.
- Ashique KT. Carotenoderma.Indian Dermatol Online J.2010;1(1):52.
- Schagen SK, Zampeli VA, Makrantonaki E.Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging.Dermatoendocrinol.2012;4(3):298–307.
- Sarkar R, Arora P, Garg VK.Cosmeceuticals for Hyperpigmentation: What is Available.J Cutan Aesthet Surg.2013;6(1):4–11.
- Nicolle C, Cardinault N, Aprikian O, et al.Effect of carrot intake on cholesterol metabolism and on antioxidant status in cholesterol-fed rat.Eur J Nutr. 2003;42(5):254-61.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.