Did you know that prior to the 17th century, most of the cultivated sumptuous carrots were almost black or deep purple in color? Of course, it may be surprising for many, as today’s generation is almost unaware of the existence of purple carrots. However, now these carrots are making a huge comeback with a bang as they are being promoted as one of the richest sources of nutrients.

Apart from their funky and distinct look, health conscious people are also turning towards this heirloom vegetable because of its high flavonoid and anthocyanin content. So, what is stopping you? Check out the amazing benefits of purple carrots right here and think of the different ways of introducing this healthy food to your diet!

1. Antioxidant Benefits Of Anthocyanins:

As mentioned earlier, purple carrots are rich in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that provides one with amazing health benefits (1). According to several laboratory studies and research, these pigments in the carrot plant cause an extremely strong antioxidant effect, which is said to be even stronger than vitamin E. Different varieties of purple carrots contain anthocyanins in varying amounts and provide health benefits accordingly. For example, the rich and dark purple carrot variety, the Purple Haze, has more antioxidants than its orange and yellow counterparts.

2. Anti-Carcinogenic Properties:

According to a group of renowned researchers at the University of Maryland’s Department of Nutrition and Food Science, the anthocyanins are naturally effective as chemopreventors and can help reduce the symptoms of colon cancer (2). Lutein, the main carotenoid component present in the purple carrot, provides protection against hormone-related cancer and colon cancer. The research suggests that all types of anthocyanin extracts can, in fact, be helpful in curbing the growth and development of colon cancer cells.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Qualities:

Studies also indicate that the anti-inflammatory qualities in the purple carrot helps alleviate and bring down the symptoms associated with various conditions, a noted few being asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Many experts are of the opinion that the anti-inflammatory properties of purple carrot anthocyanins surpass those provided by aspirin.

4. Provides Protection For Eyes:

Many of you may already know that Wild blueberries are potent sources of vitamins and are known to be good for the eyesight. Purple carrots contain similar qualities and improve eye health. Anthocyanins have been found to be extremely beneficial in improving vision in several ways. They have a role in increasing circulation within the retinal capillaries, enhancing night vision, reducing retinopathy risk in diabetic patients and fighting macular degeneration. Apart from anthocyanins, the lutein present in purple carrots also attributes this vegetable vision-improving qualities. Lutein, also referred to as the eye vitamin, is very commonly used for treating retinitis pigmentosa, cataracts, and age-related eye problems and macular degeneration.

5. Improves Vascular Health:

Purple carrot reduces the problem of both venous insufficiency and the more common varicose veins. If you want to reduce the varicose vein problem through your food, adding purple carrots to your daily meal is a good way to begin. The anthocyanins in the purple carrot neutralize the enzymes destroying the connective tissue by repairing the damaged proteins within the blood vessels and promoting circulation. Thus, purple carrot is helpful in improving and regulating the general health of the human vascular system.

6. Antimicrobial, Antiviral And Antiseptic:

The purple carrot is packed with antiseptic, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, and hence is very much effective in combating different types of infections and protecting your body from them. Purple carrots are helpful in fighting all types of bacterial and viral problems such as measles, cold, flu and internal infections of stomach, mouth, intestines and the urinary tract. These antiviral and antimicrobial properties of the purple carrot inhibit the spread of bacteria in the body.

7. Prevents Stroke And Heart Disease:

Purple carrots are rich in antioxidants that fight the harmful free radicals and destroy them, thereby protecting your body cells from damage. You can take it in juice form to get quick benefits and increase your daily dose of fiber, calcium, minerals, vitamins and several other health benefitting natural chemicals. All these nutrients prevent the blockages of arteries and reduce the chances of heart disease and stroke. High dose of antioxidants and vitamin A in the purple carrot build up the immune system and provide you protection against different types of allergies.

8. Lowers Cholesterol Levels:

Purple carrots are rich in vitamin B, C and E and calcium pectate, which is considered a very good source of fiber. These nutrients together lower the cholesterol levels in the blood and thus prevent macular degeneration. You can eat the purple carrot raw as a salad or in a cooked form. These are also used for preparing various recipes, and if you want to ensure lower blood cholesterol levels, you must choose the low fat, low sugar preparations so that the oil and added sugar do not sabotage the good works of purple carrot.

9. Nourishes Skin And Hair:

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant present in all types of carrots, including the purple one (3). It is known to nourish the nails, skin and hair and provide the skin and hair a natural, healthy glow. Regular intake of purple carrot juice helps to keep the skin supple and hydrated. The vitamin A in the purple carrot provides nourishment to the scalp and ensures healthy growth of the hair from the roots. Mashed purple carrot is used in hair and face packs as a cleansing and beauty agent.

10. Enhances The Quality Of Breast Milk:

Purple carrot contains calcium in an easily digestible form and is helpful in the growth and strengthening of the bones. Calcium is essential for teeth and bones. The calcium in the milk is not absorbed easily in the absence of vitamin D. However, the calcium present in purple carrot is absorbed in the body and hence you can see visible improvement in bone density within a few days of adding purple carrot to your regular diet. Similarly, nursing mothers should also drink purple carrot juice as it improves the quality of breast milk and provides the infant with the essential nutrients.

Thus, a purple carrot is indeed a superfood that not only improves your health, but also contributes to the development of your children.

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by Maanasi Radhakrishnan via STYLECRAZE