From Antioxidants to Anthocyanins : Health Benefits of Black Carrots

Studies show that the powerful antioxidants found in black carrots have cancer fighting properties. In a 12-week study on mice, the mice were first exposed to a cancer-promoting compound and then some mice were given black carrot extract in their diet and some mice were given a normal diet. The results of the study showed that the mice fed black carrots had less cancer development than the mice fed a normal diet.

Similarly, test-tube studies also show that anthocyanins (antioxidants) can inhibit the growth and spread of breast cancer, liver cancer, skin cancer, blood cancer and stomach cancer cells. Research also shows that if you include black carrots in your diet, then your risk of getting breast cancer can be reduced significantly.

(Read more- Broccoli: Benefits)

Carrot is a vegetable that is low in calories but is highly nutritious, due to which it is considered as a favorable food for weight loss. Black or purple carrots contain soluble fiber that helps reduce both your appetite and food intake by increasing hormones that cause a feeling of fullness after eating.

A study conducted on 100 women found that women who ate about 200 grams of black carrots for lunch felt full and ate less food during the day, compared to women who did not eat carrots. Apart from this, a large study conducted on more than 1 lakh 24 thousand people revealed that men and women who consumed more anthocyanin-rich foods such as black carrots lost more weight.

(Read more -Sweet potato: Nutrition facts, benefits)

Anthocyanin is a polyphenol antioxidant that has many great health benefits. Foods rich in anthocyanins such as black carrots can help relieve problems related to inflammation (internal swelling and inflammation). Anthocyanins act as anti-inflammatory agents that help reduce potentially harmful compounds pro-inflammatory cytokines. This property of black carrots helps reduce arthritis symptoms by reducing oxidative stress in the body.

(Read more - Health benefits of Taro (Arbi))

A review of 24 studies has shown that people who eat an anthocyanin-rich diet not only have better blood flow but also improve the function of blood vessels. Poor blood flow and inadequate blood vessel function are both common causes of heart disease—which is why improving these risk factors may reduce the risk of certain heart disease conditions. Black carrots are rich in anthocyanins and are therefore beneficial in reducing the risk of heart disease. A large study conducted on more than 34 thousand women revealed that eating 0.2 mg of anthocyanins daily reduces the risk of heart disease.

(Read more- Capsicum: Benefits)

Anthocyanins are also considered beneficial to avoid deterioration in mental health. A review of 7 studies has shown that consuming anthocyanin-rich foods such as black carrots improves some mental outcomes—including verbal learning and memory—in children, adults, and the elderly.

(Read more- Potato (Aloo) Benefits)

Metabolic syndrome is a condition that causes a bunch of symptoms including excessive belly fat and high cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Animal studies show that the anthocyanin found in black carrots helps reduce both cholesterol and blood sugar. According to the results of the study done on rats, drinking black carrot juice also helps in getting rid of the problem of fatty liver, high blood sugar, high BP and stiffness in the heart muscle.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is defined as long-lasting inflammation (chronic inflammation) in all or parts of the digestive system. Test-tube studies and animal studies show that black or purple carrots help in relieving inflammation in the intestines like ulcerative colitis.

(Read more- Foods For Better Digestion)