Every time we set our eyes on a carrot, we immediately associate it with better eyesight. What we did not know is that this simple orange-colored vegetable can fight cancer. Let’s see how carrots can be used as a powerful ally in the management of cancer presented in simple words but supported by science.
What makes carrots unique in fighting cancer?
Carrots are, by nature, like a medicine cabinet. They carry extraordinary elements in the body that help to fight cancer. The most important ones are:
- Beta-carotene: Provides vitamin A.
- Falcarinol: A natural pesticide for cancer prevention
- Fiber: Helpful in detoxifying the system of our digestion
- Antioxidants: Protects our cells from the damage
- Alpha-carotene: Works along with beta-carotene to destroy cancer cells
- Luteolin: Helps prevent cancer cells from dividing
- Vitamins and minerals: In the list of vitamins C, K, B6, potassium, and phosphorus
How do scientists know carrots help with cancer?
Scientists have conducted many studies investigating the impact of carrots on cancer.
One large study, which followed people’s eating habits over a long period, reported that people with higher carrot intake had reduced risk factors for various cancers. The second study revealed that women who ate a more significant amount of carrots had fewer risks associated with breast cancer.
The research is most convincing for these types of cancers:
What happens inside our bodies if we consume carrots?
We eat carrots, and magic happens inside our bodies. Beta-carotene and the other substances are absorbed into our bloodstream. These then go all through our body to fight against cancer cells.
They do this in several ways:
- First, they inhibit the proliferation of cancerous cells, which is like putting a brake on the spread of cancer.
- Second, they protect normal cells from damage, which is like armor around good cells.
- Third, they help our immune system work properly, which strengthens our body in fighting off cancer naturally.
Raw or Cooked: Which is Better for Cancer Fighting Benefits?
We will shed light on this question. Eating carrots, both raw and cooked, is fine; only one of them is acceptable in a different way.
For example, cooked carrots provide more of certain substances that are likely to fight cancer than they do in the raw form. Cooking or steaming carrots, mainly roasting them, increases the uptake of beta-carotene into the body.
But again, there are some advantages to eating carrots raw. This is because they boast higher levels of compounds like falcarinol, which could reduce the chances of getting a particular type of cancer. Worst, the average healthy person must eat both raw and cooked carrots.
How many carrots do we have to eat?
Eating a load of carrots is unnecessary to enjoy its health. Half a cup chopped or one medium carrot daily may give you outstanding amounts of cancer-fighting compounds. If you’re already on your way to battling cancer, you may want to boost up your carrot portions in your diet, but first, seek advice from your doctor.
Remember that more is not always merrier. Overconsuming carrots will turn your skin yellowish-orange (harmless, but it could look a bit funny!). Keep to reasonable portions.
Where can I add more carrots to my everyday meals?
There is no need to be dull with carrots in your meals. You can grate carrots and put them in your oatmeal or smoothie for breakfast. You can have some carrot batons and toss them into your salad or dip them in hummus for lunch. Then, during dinner time, slice some carrots into pieces and put them in soup, casserole, or stir-fry.
Tip: Always store peeled and cut carrot sticks in a fridge for easy access. When you are hungry and looking for a snack, they’re ready to go. And don’t forget to try different colored carrots. Purple, white, and yellow carrots have unique cancer-fighting compounds.
Can carrots help during treatment?
To cancer patients undergoing treatment, carrots would be very helpful as they are easily digestible and full of nutrients that help strengthen the body. Vitamin A sourced from beta-carotene enhances a more functionally active immune system, especially while the patient is undergoing treatment. Carrots also work better in digestion because they contain fiber, which is usually interfered with by the treatments used to treat cancer.
However, if one is receiving treatment, it will be necessary to speak with a doctor about one’s food. Some therapies contraindicate raw vegetable and carrot dosages, and the doctor will advise on how to adapt carrot intake for such therapies.
The Take Away: So what do you need to know?
Though carrots are pretty safe and healthy, there are a few things to be watchful of. To start with, carrots should be well cleaned before use to eliminate dirt and pesticide residues. If there is an issue with digestion due to treatment, cooked carrots are easier to digest than raw carrots.
Also, though carrots are used for health, they should not be used as a replacement for cancer treatment. Imagine them as helpful supplements to your regular course of treatments. They can assist the body in preventing cancer but are best utilized while part of a healthy meal plan that includes diverse fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods.
No one case is the same and it works for some, but such can be useless for others. Look for body cues and collaborate with your healthcare team to determine the best way to implement carrots in your cancer management.
REFERENCE LINKS:
https://www.aicr.org/cancer-prevention/food-facts/carrots/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9919376/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10608851/
https://www.nfcr.org/blog/cancer-fighting-foods-carrots/
https://www.aicr.org/news/the-latest-research-on-cancer-fighting-carrots/