Carrots
Daucus carota
Vegetables. Modern nutrition and Folk & home remedies.
Also called Garden carrot, Wild carrot, Queen Anne's lace
Pinyin: Hú Luó Bo
Spanish: Zanahoria
An orange root vegetable rich in beta-carotene, which the body turns into vitamin A.
Did you know? Wild carrot and garden carrot are the same species. The wild form's white flower head is called Queen Anne's lace.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Eyes & vision. Carrots supply vitamin A, which the eyes need. They help prevent night blindness from vitamin A shortage, but they do not sharpen normal vision.Good proof
- Digestion & gut health. Carrot fiber adds bulk to stool and can help regular bowel movements.Early proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Carrot seed was used in old European folk care to ease gas and to support urine flow. Modern proof is weak.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Nutritive, Carminative. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
Eat raw or cooked as food. Carrot juice is a popular drink, with no set dose for health.
Food and juice.
Where to get it
Grown in cool seasons worldwide. Sold fresh, as baby carrots and as juice. Carrot seed oil is sold in some natural stores.
Be careful
Safe as food. Eating very large amounts of carrots or drinking lots of carrot juice can turn skin orange; this is harmless and fades. Carrot seed is not for pregnancy because it can stimulate the uterus.
Avoid if: pregnancy (carrot seed).
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Raw beets and carrots are a classic pair in grated salads and slaws.
- Works well together
Carrot is part of the classic onion, carrot and celery base.
The honest take
Carrots are a healthy food that supplies vitamin A. Claims that they sharpen eyesight or cleanse the body are not proven. Most people do not need extra vitamin A from supplements.