Nutrient Benefits Of Multi-Hued Carrots

Monday, February 22, 2010, 15:35

The purple and red variety carrots are as rich in nutrition as the orange ones, says a review in Food Science and Food Safety.

According to the review, the most important benifit of red carrot is that it contains phytochemical and fiber.

Carotenoids are compounds that are responsible for the multi-hues of carrots ranging from yellow to orange and red. Anthocyanins give the purple carrots their bluish-red hue.

The red carrots provide the antioxidant lycopene. Yellow carrots may serve as an alternative bioavailable source of lutein.

Dark orange carrots have more concentrated beta carotene which is helpful for those who have vitamin A deficiency. Purple carrots have similar bioavailability of beta carotene as orange carrots.

Lead author Sara Arscott said, "Understanding the bioavailability of carrots nutrients will help researchers determine how to best help a population in need."

The review concluded that carrots have an impact on overall health and disease prevention including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and satiety.