What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Purple Carrots Regularly

Purple carrots (Daucus carota ssp. sativus) are a variety of carrot that contain high levels of anthocyaninsantioxidant pigments that give the vegetable its rich purple color. Here’s what could happen to your body if you regularly included purple carrots in your diet.

Aging involves the decline of bodily functions necessary for survival and reproduction. One of the key factors in aging may be the accumulation of harmful substances called reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Carotenoids, fat-soluble pigments found in carrots and tomatoes, have been linked to anti-aging effects. They can help by contributing to the production of certain protective enzymes (proteins that aid digestion and other important functions). These enzymes protect against cell damage and ROS-related toxins in the body.

Another factor in aging concerns the length of your telomeres, which protect your cells. Telomeres are protective caps that seal the ends of your chromosomes (thin-like structures inside the cell’s nucleus). They shorten each time a cell divides, a process necessary to grow, repair and replace damaged cells. When a cell’s telomeres become too short, the cell can no longer thrive. ROS and inflammation can accelerate this process.

Research suggests that eating foods rich in beta-carotene, like purple carrots, might preserve your telomeres longer. This could slow cell death and help you live longer and healthier.

Purple carrots contain the carotenoids found in typical orange carrots, including beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin– all of which have eye protection qualities.

Beta-carotene may reduce the risk of cataracts (cloudy areas that develop in the lens of the eye). Cataracts occur when aging or other factors cause changes to the lens. If left untreated, they can lead to complete loss of vision. When the body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, the vitamin can help reduce damage to the lens that can lead to cataracts, such as damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays induced by sunlight.

Lutein and zeaxanthin may also decrease the risk of cataracts and other age-related eye diseases, including macular degeneration. They work by eliminating ROS to protect the eye from damage. Since the human lens contains lutein and zeaxanthin, getting these nutrients through foods like purple carrots may be beneficial.

The anthocyanins in purple carrots may also protect the eyes. Research suggests that anthocyanins may play a role in treating glaucoma, preventing lens damage, and reducing dry eye symptoms. However, more studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of anthocyanins and other antioxidants on eye health.

Carotenoids can help protect against UV damage, sunburn, and the effects of skin aging. When you consume carotenoids through certain fruits and vegetables, such as purple carrots, they are absorbed by your skin and exert protective actions on the skin.

Purple carrots contain skin-beneficial carotenoids, including beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Additionally, carrots contain a flavonoid called luteolin, which can effectively prevent sun damage.

Purple carrots also contain an abundance of anthocyanins. With their strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, anthocyanins can give you smoother, more radiant skin.

Purple carrot’s rich store of anthocyanins may protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Indeed, anthocyanins protect against oxidative stress and inflammation triggered by neurotoxins such as heavy metals, pesticides and environmental pollutants.

There is also an important connection known as the gut-brain axis, where gut health influences mental capacity and well-being. Anthocyanins may have a positive effect on gut bacteria and the beneficial chemicals they produce. These chemicals can then interact with neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) to improve mood, sleep, memory and cognition.

Carrots provide beta-carotene and other nutrients like vitamin E, vitamin C, and zinc, all of which can improve your cognitive function.

The anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds in purple carrots have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

For example, a small study of 18 people at risk for cardiovascular disease found that participants who consumed 200 grams (g) of purple carrots per day for 12 weeks had improved blood triglyceride levels and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (markers of heart disease risk) compared to participants who ate orange carrots.

Other research suggests that compounds in purple carrots may help slow glucose metabolism in the body, which could help manage blood sugar levels.

The high anthocyanin and carotenoid content of purple carrots may also help protect against the formation or growth of cancer cells. However, most research on purple carrots and cancer prevention has been done on animals or in test tubes. Further human studies are needed.

Adding more vegetables to your diet can help you achieve and maintain your optimal weight. Like traditional carrots, purple carrots are low in calories and high in nutrients.

Carrots are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, blood sugar control and satiety (feeling full), all factors that help manage appetite and weight. One cup of chopped carrots provides almost 4g of dietary fiber.

The anthocyanins in purple carrots may also aid in weight loss. A study of 124,086 men and women showed that higher consumption of anthocyanin-rich foods was associated with significant weight loss and better weight management over time.

A 100 g serving of raw purple carrots contains:

• Calories: 42
• Fat: 0.14g
• Sodium: 82 mg
• Carbohydrates: 8.01g
• Fiber: 2.48g
• Added sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0.87g

Purple carrots are a good source of carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and lutein. A 100 g serving can contain between 600 and 20,000 micrograms (µg). In the body, some of them, including beta-carotene, are converted into vitamin A, the total daily value (DV) of which is 900 µg RAE.

Retinol activity equivalents (RAE) are a measurement that takes into account the biological activity of vitamin A (retinol) and provitamin A carotenoids such as beta-carotene. For example, one cup of raw orange carrots contains 1,070 mcg RAE of vitamin A, or 118% of your DV.

Purple carrots are generally safe to eat. However, some studies suggest that high levels of beta-carotene may interfere with thyroid function. People with hypothyroidism may have difficulty metabolizing beta-carotene, causing their skin to turn yellow or orange.

If you have a health condition that affects your thyroid, talk to your doctor before adding carrots to your regular diet or eating them in large quantities.

It is also possible to be allergic to carrots. If you have signs of an allergic reaction after eating carrots, such as itching or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, or if you experience nausea, shortness of breath, or a rash, stop eating the carrots and seek medical attention immediately.

Purple carrots add vibrancy and color to your dishes. Here are some ways to enjoy them in your meals and snacks:

• Use grated purple carrot to add color and a little sweetness to potato salad
• Enjoy sautéed purple carrots seasoned with tarragon
• Roast purple carrots with sweet potatoes and garnish with rosemary for a flavorful root vegetable dish
• Cut the carrots into oblique discs or sticks to serve on a vegetable platter or charcuterie board
• Add grated purple carrots to potato and zucchini pancakes for a tasty side dish
• Make a low-sugar carrot cake with a mixture of yellow and purple carrots
• Add shredded purple carrots to your morning oatmeal