The Purple Carrot: Healthy and Ideal for Weight Loss
It’s strange to think of a carrot without its pretty orange color. However, as weird as it may seem, purple carrots were actually more common in the past and were the eaten more often than any other type of carrot in Asia and Europe.
Purple carrots date back to the 2000’s B.C. It was Arab traders who popularized them in various countries for several centuries.
However, carrots of various colors were plentiful in those times. Depending on the area and the components of the soil, you could find carrots ranging from white, yellow to a very intense purple that reached almost black.
But what about orange carrots? Well, this variety appeared in the Netherlands during the 17th century.
In reality, they’re nothing more than hybrids, a combination created by Dutch farmers who wanted to pay homage to the royal house of Orange.
The product was were so successful they found a market outside their borders, establishing an unbeatable market, up to the present day.
A curious and well-documented story that explains why it isn’t common to see so many purple carrots in our markets.
However, they’re making a strong comeback and as “superfood.”
Below, we explain everything that purple carrots can do for you.
The purple carrot, a source of health
Let’s begin by taking a look at what this distinctive color does. The purple color in these carrots comes from a water-soluble substance called anthocyanin.
- Anthocyanin is an antioxidant found in many different foods, including red grapes, eggplant, blueberries, kidney beans, red cabbage, or pomegranates
- Knowing how healthy the above foods are, you can probably already guess the awesome medicinal power hiding in purple carrots
- They can to improve cardiac health, anti-carcinogenic, and can lower bad cholesterol (LDL)
- The power of the anthocyanin in purple carrots is also very advisable for people with diabetes
- They help control blood sugar levels
- Its antioxidants protect blood vessels and neutralize the enzymes that damage collagen and connective tissue
Also read How To Grow Carrots at Home
Purple carrots and weight loss
You’ll be glad to know that purple carrots are low in calories. You can eat them raw or steamed. They’re filling and also offer you a high fiber content.
- It’s also interesting to note that this vegetable will help your digestion. It doesn’t just lower blood sugar levels, but also helps you absorb nutrients better due to its fiber.
- Most of the fiber in purple carrots is soluble. Soluble fiber absorbs water in the digestive tract, forming a gel-like substance.
Therefore, on its trip through the intestines, it picks up toxins and then reduces cholesterol levels once it gets to the bloodstream.
Purple carrot can help reduce varicose veins
If you have varicose veins, purple carrots can help relieve pain and pressure.
- One again, it’s the anthocyanin that helps with its anti-inflammatory powers. It also improves blood flow
- Purple carrots activate a series of proteins that are able to heal damaged blood vessel walls, which improves overall cardiovascular health
Although they won’t make varicose veins disappear, they’ll help relieve their symptoms.
Ideal for preventing colon cancer
Purple carrots, just like blueberries, radishes, or red grapes, contain minerals and antioxidants that can keep cancer cells from spreading.
- According to a study done by the Department of Nutrition and Food Science of the University of Maryland, the regular consumption of these foods inhibits the growth of these harmful cells in the colon.
- However, try to stick to organic produce to ensure you’re getting all the nutrition your body needs.
Fresh purple carrot and apple juice
An great way to benefit from the goodness of purple carrot is by turning it a delicious smoothie. It’s an ideal way to start your day or have with dinner.
Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients
- 2 purple carrots
- 1 apple
- The juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 glass of water (200 ml)
Preparation
- The first thing you do is wash the purple carrots and apple and then, quarter the apple to ease blending
- Then, blend the carrots and apple and pour the mixture into a glass
- Now, add the water and lemon juice, stir and enjoy
It’s a sweet, sour and tart flavor you’ll enjoy, and it’ll give your nutrient boost.
If you aren’t already enjoying the benefits of purple carrots, now is the time.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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Charron, C. S., Kurilich, A. C., Clevidence, B. A., Simon, P. W., Harrison, D. J., Britz, S. J., … & Novotny, J. A. (2009). Bioavailability of anthocyanins from purple carrot juice: effects of acylation and plant matrix. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 57(4), 1226-1230.
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Metzger, B. T., Barnes, D. M., & Reed, J. D. (2008). Purple carrot (Daucus carota L.) polyacetylenes decrease lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of inflammatory proteins in macrophage and endothelial cells. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 56(10), 3554-3560.
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Poudyal, H., Panchal, S., & Brown, L. (2010). Comparison of purple carrot juice and β-carotene in a high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet-fed rat model of the metabolic syndrome. British journal of nutrition, 104(9), 1322-1332.
