Appreciated in dips, mini carrots should be incorporated more frequently into our diet, according to a recent study presented by Samford University in Alabama.
Health Benefits of Mini Carrots
According to the study, eating mini carrots has beneficial effects on physical health and offers anti-inflammatory properties, as well as benefits against cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Mini carrots contain higher levels of carotenoids, the plant pigments that give them their orange or yellow color, compared to larger carrots. These carotenoids are responsible for the health benefits.
How Often to Eat Mini Carrots
To experience these benefits, it is recommended to eat mini carrots three times a week, especially if vegetables are not consumed at every meal.
For the study, young adults consumed a portion of mini carrots, which corresponds to about eight to twelve carrots or 100 grams, explained Mary Harper Simmons, a graduate student in nutrition at Samford University, to CNN.
Of the 60 people examined in the study, some did not eat carrots and took a multivitamin supplement, while others consumed a combination of carrots and multivitamins, or neither, serving as the control group.
Results of the Study
After four weeks, the young adults who had eaten mini carrots showed a 10.8% increase in carotenoids in their skin.
“Carrots are easy to carry, perfect with ranch, hummus – I’ve even seen people dip them in peanut butter – and some people like them plain,” the researcher highlighted to the media.
“I really want to show people that it is possible to improve their health through small, simple changes. […] There is no need for a radical change overnight,” she added.
Do Only Mini Carrots Work?
“Does it matter if it’s a mini carrot, a regular carrot, or Nantes carrots? I don’t think so […] What it tells me as a nutrition expert is simply to eat colorful vegetables,” mentioned nutrition expert Isabelle Huot.
She also pointed out that carotenoids are present in other colored vegetables, such as yellow peppers, sweet potatoes, and even spinach.
“[Carotenoids are molecules that belong] to the vitamin A family, which is important for various functions in the body, including immune functions, skin health, and vision,” explained Myriam Beaudry, a nutritionist and doctoral student in nutrition, to TVA Nouvelles.
According to her, this study “confirms the recommendations to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables.”
Incorporating mini carrots into your diet can be a simple and effective way to boost your health, adding to the wide array of colorful vegetables that contribute to overall well-being.
