Carrot is a well-known vegetable cultivated throughout India. It is native to Europe and the Mediterranean region. Carrot plant has very fleshy roots which we eat raw or cooked. In traditional medicine system carrot is used for treatment of diseases. It increases pitta and decreases Vata and Kapha . The roasted roots are indicated for heart palpitation. Carrot has diuretic action that causes more urine production and thus helps body to get rid of uric acid. The roots, seeds are used for treatment of many diseases. Pharmacological studies confirms hepatoprotective (liver protective), hypoglycemic (blood glucose lowering effect) and gastroprotective activity of carrot roots.
Botanical name: Daucus carota Linn
Family: Umbelliferae;Apiaceae
Hindi- Gajar, Gajra Tamil-Manjal Mullangi, Gajjara Kilangu Telugu-Gajaragade Kannada-Gajjari Malayalam-Karattu
Health benefits of Carrot
There are several health benefits of carrot eating. Carrots are good for liver, kidney and digestive system. It has ability to detoxify body. Carrot is good source of Vitamin A (good for your eyes and skin), C (boost immunity and promotes wound healing and collagen formation) and K (helps in blood clotting).
This root vegetable cures constipation due to its fibre content. Fibre also help to lower bad cholesterol and promotes digestion. Eating one cup sliced carrots will give Sodium 84mg, Total Carbohydrate 12g, Dietary Fibre 3g, Sugars 6g and protein 1g. It will also give 400% of Vitamin A, 12% of Vitamin C, 4% of Calcium 4% and 2% of Iron required daily by a person.
Regular eating of carrot is beneficial in rickets, colitis, gout, constipation, worms (eaten raw), arthritis, skin disorders, oedema, jaundice, chronic hepatitis, heart disease, colon disorders, constipation, piles, indigestion etc. The seeds of carrot exhibits anti-fertility and abortifacient (induce abortion) effect.
Protection against Ulcer
Carrot protects gastric mucosa. The gastric mucosa is the mucous membrane layer of the stomach. It is due to this barrier stomach contains acid of pH 2 and does not digest itself. Gastric mucosa serves two purpose, first to lubricate the food and second to protect stomach cavity. Carrot juice protects this lining and gives protection against gastric/peptic ulcers. The risk group for ulcer development include people taking Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin and indomethacin and Alcohol. Carrot is alternative remedy for clinical management of gastric ulcer diseases.
Medicinal uses of Carrot
Carrot offers numerous health benefits. This common root vegetable has also several therapeutic uses. It stimulates urine production due to its potassium content. It has carminative, anthelmintic, and aphrodisiac in action. It reduces cholesterol and protects against ulcers.
As per Ayurveda, carrot is sweet, astringent, hot, sweet or pungent. It reduces Vata, Kapha and increases pitta. But carrot juice increases Vata.
Intestinal worm
For expulsion of threadworm from body, eat small cup of grated carrot every morning.
Low haemoglobin level, vitamin deficiency
Regular intake of carrot helps to improve hemoglobinlevel. Carrot juice can be mixed with spinach juice.
Constipation
If you are eating carrot daily then the fibre present in carrot cures constipation and helps in better bowel movement.
Digestive system trouble
Carrots are great for digestive system. The regular drinking of carrot juice cures indigestion, chronic, diarrhoea, acidity and other digestive troubles.
Rheumatism, arthritis
Regular intake of carrot juice is helpful in rheumatism, arthritis as it reduces swelling.
Obesity
Lettuce juice mixed with carrot juice nourishes body and helps to reduce obesity.
Urinary stones
Mix juice of cucumber, beetroot and carrot in equal amount and drink regularly.
Absence of menstruation
Carrot seeds are traditionally used for treating amenorrhoea. The seeds (2 teaspoon) are boiled glass of water. This is filtered and jaggery is added. This should be taken regularly for a weak.
Eczema, burn injury, wound
In case of eczema, grate carrots and apply the pulp on affected areas.
Lowering cholesterol
Regular eating of carrots helps to lower cholesterol level.