Ladies going gaga over “carrot man” from the Northern Philippines, we’ve got great news for you!
Eating carrots, which has long been known to have a protective effect on our health, can actually ward off life-threatening diseases such as heart disease and cancer. However, a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that eating carrots, a food packed with beta-carotene, actually reduces women’s risk for breast cancer between 40 to 60%.
A total of 1,500 women diagnosed with breast tumours and 1,500 women who were cancer-free were involved in the study. The scientists looked into their dietary habits and conducted blood tests to determine levels of beta-carotene, a naturally occurring chemical that gives color to plant foods.
Their findings showed that women who consumed foods with lots of beta-carotene, such as carrots and pepper, have lesser chance to develop estrogen receptor negative breast cancers. It was also found that beta-carotene apparently did not lower a women’s risk for estrogen receptor positive tumors.
“Our results indicate higher concentrations of carotene are associated with lower breast cancer risk of oestrogen negative tumours,” the study concluded.
According to Dr. Richard Berks of the charity Breast Cancer Now, everyone can slash their risk for breast cancer and many other diseases by having a varied and balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake and being more active.
Aside from reducing cancer, here are other health benefits of carrots.
Incorporating Carrots in Your Diet
High in beta-carotene, antioxidants, vitamin A and minerals, carrots provides numerous health benefits particularly for your eyes, teeth and your digestive system.
Here are some way to incorporate carrots into your diet, according to HealthSite.
- Eat it raw.
- Turn it into a carrot juice.
- Include it in your salads.
- Add it in your soups.
- Roast carrots as side dish for dinner.
- Steam carrots.
- Eat carrot sticks with a delicious dip.