Ready for a smoothie with carrots? I tried mixing some fruits I had for this smoothie that were starting to go! That’s the awesome thing about smoothies and using up anything that might be going bad. This smoothie incorporates a peach, an apple, a carrot and ginger (hence the ‘zinger’). It was quite tasty, and a great way to get in carrots (which I normally really don’t care for, raw or cooked).
Some benefits of carrots:
1. Improves vision: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the liver. You never see any rabbits with glasses, do ya?
2. Helps prevent cancer: Studies have shown carrots reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. Researchers have just discovered falcarinol and falcarindiol which they feel cause the anticancer properties. Falcarinol is a natural pesticide produced by the carrot that protects its roots from fungal diseases. Carrots are one of the only common sources of this compound. A study showed 1/3 lower cancer risk by carrot-eating mice.
3. Slows down aging: The high level of beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant to cell damage done to the body through regular metabolism. It help slows down the aging of cells.
4. Promotes healthier skin: Vitamin A and antioxidants protects the skin from sun damage. Deficiencies of vitamin A cause dryness to the skin, hair and nails. Vitamin A prevents premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tone.
5. Helps prevent infection: Carrots are known by herbalists to prevent infection. They can be used on cuts – shredded raw or boiled and mashed.
6. Cleanses the body: Vitamin A assists the liver in flushing out the toxins from the body. It reduces the bile and fat in the liver. The fibers present in carrots help clean out the colon and hasten waste movement.
7. Protects teeth and gums: It’s all in the crunch! Carrots clean your teeth and mouth. They scrape off plaque and food particles just like toothbrushes or toothpaste. Carrots stimulate gums and trigger a lot of saliva, which being alkaline, balances out the acid-forming, cavity-forming bacteria. The minerals in carrots prevent tooth damage.
I could go on and on about ginger, peaches, and apples, but I think we’ve had enough information overload on carrots, yes?
- 1 large carrot, washed and chopped
- 1 large apple, washed and chopped (peeling optional)
- 1 peach, washed and chopped (peeling optional)
- 1 inch knob of ginger, washed and peeled
- 1 cup non dairy milk
- 1 cup water
- ice to taate
- Clean and chop ingredients if needed
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor
- Blend until smooth
- Serve immediately
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