Winter is almost at its end and hence the time has come to say goodbye to fresh seasonal produce. Light and watery vegetables like gourd, squash etc. are replacing colorful and crunchy beetroot, peas, broccoli. Today all these vegetables are available round the year, but let’s face it, it doesn’t taste the same as fresh. Another such popular winter vegetable is gajar (carrot). Crunchy, sweet, fibrous carrots hold a steady place in our vegetable baskets all season long. It is so colorful and flavourful that we sneak the vegetable into every possible recipe. From the simplest gajar-matar to the delicious gajar ka halwa, we prepare countless winter dishes with this hearty vegetable.
Another reason for its immense popularity is its nutrient-profile. Carrot Very healthy and full of many nutritious properties. Let us know about some of the major benefits of carrots.
Read also: Are raw carrots more nutritious than cooked carrots?
Image credit: iStock
Here are 7 major health benefits of carrots:
1. Promotes Healthy Digestion:
Carrots are high in fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. This can help prevent constipation and other digestive problems.
2. Increases immunity:
Carrots contain a variety of nutrients that may help boost the immune system, including vitamin C, vitamin A and antioxidants.
3. Supports Healthy Vision:
While most people know that carrots are good for eye health, they may not know that they contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for maintaining healthy vision.
4. Reduces Inflammation:
Carrots contain a variety of antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in the body, which may help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
5. Supports Skin Health:
The high beta-carotene content in carrots may help improve skin health by reducing oxidative stress and preventing damage from UV rays.
6. Regulates Blood Sugar:
Carrots have a low glycemic index, which means they do not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. It can help control blood sugar and prevent insulin resistance.
7. Increases brain function:
Carrots contain a variety of nutrients that are important for brain health, including vitamin B6, potassium and phosphorus. These nutrients may help improve memory and cognitive function.
Seeing its popularity we got another carrot based recipe This can be a great addition to your inventory (Unique Recipes). This is called carrot chutney. This recipe is shared by Chef Anahita Dhondi on her official Instagram handle.
Read also: Weight Loss: Craving Fries While on a Diet? These Baked Carrot Fry can come in handy!
How to make Carrot Chutney:
Ingredients for making carrot chutney:
Carrots, coconut oil, urad dal, mustard seeds, chana dal, curry leaves, whole red chillies, dry coconut, red chilli powder and ghee.
Method for making Carrot Chutney:
Pour coconut oil in a pan. When it becomes hot, add mustard seeds, curry leaves and whole red chilies. Fry them for some time. Then, add chana dal and urad dal and fry again. Season with salt and red chili powder.
Now add chopped carrots and cook well. Add some water to it and cover the lid. Let it cook in steam. When the carrot is cooked, add dry coconut to it and mix well. To retain the colour, grind it with a little ice to make a smooth chutney. Finally apply tempering over the mix chutney.
You can serve it with dosa, idli or uttapam and make a delicious meal.
Chef’s Tip:
“Channa dal and urad dal are added for flavor and thickening. If you don’t want to add, you can use roasted peanuts. They add a slightly distinct nutty flavor. Make sure you grate the carrots properly.” Let’s cook with!” suggests Chef Anahita.
Try this recipe at home and enjoy a delicious meal!
featured video of the day
hot toddy recipe | how to make hot toddy