Carrot - Facts

Carrot

Overview

Carrot is a plant. The leaves and the part that grows underground (carrot root) are used for food. The part that grows underground is also used for medicine.

Carrot root is used for Vitamin A deficiency. It is also used to prevent cancer, and for digestive health, obesity, other nutrient deficiencies, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.

In foods, carrot roots can be eaten raw, boiled, fried, or steamed. Carrot root can be eaten alone or added to cakes, puddings, jams, or preserves. Carrot root can also be prepared as a juice. Carrot leaves can be eaten raw or cooked.

Uses & Effectiveness

• Vitamin A deficiency. Some early research shows that eating carrot jam for 10 weeks improves growth rate in children with vitamin A deficiency. Other early research shows that eating grated carrot for 60 days improves vitamin A levels in some pregnant women who are at risk for not having enough vitamin A.

• Breast cancer. Population research suggests that eating more carrot might reduce the risk of getting breast cancer.
  
  
• Diarrhea. Early research shows that giving a rehydration solution containing carrot and rice to infants and children with diarrhea helps shorten the length of time diarrhea is experienced.
  
  
• Fibromyalgia. Early research shows that eating a vegetarian diet that includes drinking 2-4 servings of carrot juice for 7 months improves symptoms of fibromyalgia in some people.
  
  
• Prostate cancer. Population research suggests that people who eat more carrots might have a lower chance of getting prostate cancer.
  
  
• Cancer.
  
  
• Constipation.
  
  
• Diabetes.
  
  
• Vitamin C deficiency.
  
  
• Zinc deficiency.