UPDATES ON CARROTS AND OTHER VEGETABLES

   A newly discovered phytonutrient called falcarinol has been found to fend off age-related macular degeneration.  Other nutrients in carrots include vitamin K, folate, potassium, B6 and dietary fiber.  That Orion farm-grown carrot displaying Mother’s solid gold wedding band surfaced more than 75 years ago and continues to confirm its message of high nutritional value for long life, good health and better eyesight.

     You’ve likely noticed word “fiber” in the paragraph above and carrots supply this nutrient in a good balance.  Whether you want to live longer, reduce your chances of developing diabetes, whittle your waistline or lower your cholesterol, eating enough dietary fiber can help you do it.  Despite an ever-growing body of research supporting fiber’s numerous benefits, most of us do not get the message.  Health Canada recommends 30 grams per day according to the latest Canadian Community Health Survey.  Men aged 51 to 70 averaged only 19 grams and women were getting only 16.5 grams of fiber, reports Len Piche, a registered dietician and professor at the University Western Ontario University College in London, Ontario.  That averages a shortfall of 4.5 grams.

    With no bad side effects carrots can lower harmful LDL cholesterol as effectively as some medications.  It also limits the growth of colon cancer cells.  Honey mustard sauce gives a little zing to any green drink your blender may whip out.  Carrots grow in many countries, varieties and colours including red.  They can also decimate cardio vascular disease (CVD).  My brother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer and after two surgeries and one chemo series, he began to make a smoothie each evening for himself and his wife.  They continue to do well, travel and enjoy their grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

   

       Prebiotics, is a new type of fiber that provides a bacterial banquet for beneficial microorganisms that live in the gut.  “It’s soluble, but we can’t digest it ourselves because human enzymes can’t break it down,” Piche explains, “because it feeds the bacteria in the large intestine.”  High in fiber it’s best to use a variety of foods so add half an avocado to the mix.  The carrot’s green tops are slightly bitter and not often put in smoothies but add some of the tops after pouring the main blend in serving glasses, then add a little juice blend to it again and try it out.  You may like it.