The content of substances in the form of anthocyanins makes purple carrots have higher levels of antioxidants than other carrots. Easy to prepare with a delicious taste, the benefits of purple carrots can prevent inflammation in the body.
Although they are more popular with their orange color, carrots have always been purple and white. At least, this happened until at least before the 17th century. Then after a genetic mutation, the orange carrot that is popular today emerged.
The nutritional content of purple carrots
Although finding purple carrots is not as easy as orange ones, you need to know their nutrition. In 128 grams of purple carrots, the calories are only about 52. Meanwhile, there are also other beneficial ingredients such as fiber, vitamin K, vitamin C, several types of B vitamins, potassium, and manganese.Compared to other types of carrots, this purple contains the highest anthocyanins. This is the substance that makes it blackish purple in color. Thus, their antioxidant capacity is much higher.Anthocyanins are antioxidants in the polyphenol group found in dark-colored fruits and vegetables. Examples such as grapes, blackberries, purple sweet potato, purple cabbage, eggplant, and other purple vegetables.
Benefits of purple carrots
Some of the health benefits of consuming purple carrots include:1. Source of antioxidants
Of course, considering that purple carrots have a higher anthocyanin content than other types of carrots, their antioxidant function is also superior. The presence of antioxidants can protect the body from oxidative stress, namely the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the human body.If oxidative stress is allowed, it can cause disease. Some of the things that are often linked are cancer, heart disease, premature aging, and decreased cognitive function.In a review of 24 studies, it was found that people who are used to consuming foods high in anthocyanins have better blood circulation. Blood vessel function is also better than those that are not.In addition, there are also other studies involving 34,000 female participants. They consume 9.2 mg of anthocyanins every day. As a result, the risk of experiencing heart disease decreases.
2. Potential against cancer
In a 12-week study of mice in the laboratory, purple carrot extract made cancer cells grow less rapidly. Similar to this, other studies have also looked at how anthocyanins inhibit growth and spread cancer cells in the breast, liver, skin, blood, and intestines.Not only that, a study of 923 people with colon cancer and 1,846 people who did not have cancer showed similar results. Women who eat purple vegetables and fruit have a lower risk of developing colon cancer than those who don't.3. Potential to lose weight
Purple carrots are low-calorie vegetables but still nutritious. This means that these vegetables can be a menu for those who want to lose weight. For that, replace snacks with high calories with carrots to reduce calorie intake every day.Not only that, but purple carrots are a good source of soluble fiber. This will help reduce hunger. They work by increasing satiety-inducing hormones such as the peptide YY.A study of 100 women who ate 200 grams of carrots at lunch proved this. They feel much fuller and eventually eat less for the rest of the day.4. Relieves the metabolic syndrome
There are several symptoms that indicate metabolic syndromes such as accumulation of fat in the stomach, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and uncontrolled blood sugar. This metabolic syndrome can increase the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even death.The content of anthocyanins in purple carrots can help lower cholesterol and lower blood sugar. In a study of mice suffering from metabolic syndrome, consumption of purple carrot extract was shown to reduce symptoms effectively.
