Carrot leaves, contrary to what most people believe, are actually edible. We can easily find carrot greens, another name for carrot leaves, atop carrot plants. Carrot leaves are easily identified by their lacy and feathery shapes, with jagged sides. They taste somewhat in the mix of bitter and sweet, with a grassy texture as well as an astringent scent.
We all know that carrots
are one of the most common vegetables that people use in their daily diets. As
it turns out, however, we probably can start consuming the whole carrot plants
knowing the possibilities and myriad of benefits that we can derive out of
them. Chances are we were unaware of this before. But apparently, carrot greens
contain high amounts of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Which makes it
suitable to be eaten in soups, salads, and curries. Anyway, these are the
nutritional contents of raw carrot leaves (one cup).
Nutrients of Carrots
·
Calories (88 g)
·
Total Fat (0 g)
·
Cholesterol (0 mg)
·
Total Carbs (7 g)
·
Dietary Fiber (2 g)
·
Sugars (0 g)
·
Protein (1 g)
·
Vitamin A (110%)
·
Vitamin C (10%)
·
Calcium (2%)
·
Iron (2%)
Just by looking at the
nutritional table, we could conclude that carrot leaves do indeed contain so
many essential nutrients including Vitamin A (riboflavin), Vitamin C (ascorbic
acid), and iron. Moreover, other health benefits are present which can’t be
described by facts and figures alone. For your reading pleasure, as well as to
sate your thirst for knowledge, we have concluded the number of benefits of consuming carrot leaves as described in the following paragraphs.
1. Boost the Immune
System
One of the most
prominent benefits of carrot leaves is its high amount of vitamin C. It is even
believed that the vitamin C contained in carrot leaves is even greater than the
one in the roots, about six times more. This is why carrot leaves could be useful
additions to our next chicken soup or salad because combined with other
ingredients, they can work together in boosting the immune system. Particularly
useful for relieving colds and equally beneficial for skin health.
2. Help Preventing Tumor
Growth
The most common compound
contained in green leaves is chlorophyll. It is the one chemical that is
responsible for photosynthesis as well as making the leaves of plants green.
Turns out, chlorophyll also contains powerful nutrients whose main function is
to prevent tumor cells from growing. Some researchers suggested that carrot
leaves have the ability to hinder tumor growth which in turn restricts
malignant cell division.
3. Act as Mild Diuretics
Aside from preventing
tumor growth, there is another benefit of chlorophyll contained in carrot
leaves. Though may not be widely known, chlorophyll in fact can act as a mild
diuretic, which helps in stimulating the outflow of bodily fluid in the form of
urine.
4. Aid in Detoxification
Chlorophyll also has a detoxifying
effect on our bodies, which explains the similar effect found in other green
leaves such as green tea. The detoxifying effect in turn helps the kidney to
filter harmful substances in our blood, consequently preventing the formation
of kidney stones as well as dissolving those already present.
5. Support the Digestive
System
The benefits of
chlorophyll go along the way. As it turned out, the detoxifying properties of
chlorophyll also help in cleansing the colon as well as relaxing it. Combined
with the dietary fiber normally found in greens, they work together in
stimulating bowel movement, pushing out the wastes from digestion which in turn
improves the absorption of nutrients.
6. Protect Heart Health
Carrot leaves are also
high in potassium, which is known for its effect on regulating blood pressure.
Those who are high in blood pressure usually have a potassium deficiency. This
is exactly why adding carrot leaves to our daily meals might keep our health
healthy by lowering high blood pressure and thus preventing stroke commonly
caused by atherosclerosis. Carrot leaves
contain compounds that can help to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol
levels, promoting cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of heart disease.
7. Help in Maintaining
Muscles’ Endurance
Not
only are carrot leaves rich in macronutrients, but they also pack some minerals
which work together for the common good. Take, for example, magnesium. This
mineral is known for its role in preventing inflammation by reinforcing the
muscle tissues all over our body. Combined with another mineral such as
potassium, the compound of the two can work together in strengthening muscles The
potassium content in carrot leaves can help to promote healthy muscles,
reducing the risk of muscle-related problems and promoting overall health, and improving blood flow
which keeps us energetic throughout the day.
8. Promote Bone Strength
and Health
Not only minerals,
carrot leaves also contain some beneficial vitamins, one of them is vitamin K
which is important for blood clotting as well as increasing bone density.
Combined with minerals such as calcium and magnesium, vitamin K can promote
overall bone health as well as strength, greatly reducing the chances of bone
and joint problems such as osteoporosis.
9. Help to enhance
Vision
Do you know the good
thing about carrot leaves? not only are they good additions to our usual salad,
but they are also equally as nutritious as their own carrot roots! That’s
right, carrot leaves do contain a high amount of vitamin A which has the well-known
benefit of keeping eyes healthy. This makes it, not such a bad idea to eat the
carrot plants whole, roots, and leaves.
10. Help Improving Blood
Circulation
As discussed in earlier
paragraphs, carrot leaves are rich in magnesium and potassium which work great
together in keeping our blood circulations in order. Improved blood circulation
also means better metabolism, sharper focus, and of course essential for
maintaining overall body health.
11. Regulate Blood
Pressure
Both potassium and
magnesium also play essential parts in keeping blood pressure in check.
Multiple studies have been done to find significant correlations between
magnesium intake and the reduction of blood pressure. An extremely neat
addition to our dessert as well as salad especially after heavy red meats or
other tension-spiking consumption.
12. Prevent Anemia
For those who are in anemia,
consuming carrot leaves can help boost hemoglobin production in red blood
cells, which in turn can prevent anemia. For those who need some hemoglobin
boosts but are averse to blood supplements, carrot leaves can be safe and
natural alternatives.
13. Serve as
Menstruation Supplement
There is this kind of
chemical compound that is quite unique and found in carrot leaves. They are
called porphyrins, which are more commonly found in wild carrot leaves.
Porphyrins’ main function includes stimulating the pituitary gland which in
turn releases sex hormones.
Consequently, the
hormones stimulate the uterus, which means those on their period can control
their menstruation cycles. However, because it has an effect in inducing
uterine contractions, it is strongly prohibited to be used by women during
pregnancy.
14. Help Treating Kidney
Problems
The most common trait
shared by bitter greens is that they are all strong diuretics. This means carrot
leaves can be used to help stimulate the filtering process of kidneys by fastening
the outflow of urine. This also serves to be the solution to many kidney
problems such as edema and kidney stones.
15. Relieve Migraine
Headaches
Carrot leaves are so
heavy in vitamins and minerals that they can act as natural health supplements.
Not only that, but they can also relieve headaches, including migraine
headaches. Migraine is a kind of headache symptom that occurs on one side of
the head, characterized by the agonizing pain it caused, and often induces
dizziness and nausea as the side effects.
16. Promotes Skin Health
The high levels of vitamin A found in carrot leaves
can help to promote healthy skin, preventing dryness, acne, and other
skin-related issues.
17. Boosts Brain Function
Carrot leaves contain compounds that can help to
enhance cognitive function, promoting better memory, focus, and concentration.
18. Reduces Inflammation
Carrot leaves contain compounds that can help to
reduce inflammation in the body, which can help to prevent a range of health
problems, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.
19. Regulates Hormones
Carrot leaves contain compounds that can help to
regulate hormone levels in the body, promoting better overall health.
20. Enhances Liver Function
Carrot leaves contain compounds that can help to
enhance liver function, promoting better overall health and reducing the risk
of liver-related problems.
22. Promotes Weight Loss
The fiber content in carrot leaves can help to promote
feelings of fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating and promoting
weight loss.
23. Boosts Energy Levels
The high levels of nutrients found in carrot leaves
can help to boost energy levels, reducing fatigue and promoting better overall
health.
24. Improves Dental Health
Carrot leaves contain compounds that can help to
promote healthy teeth and gums, reducing the risk of cavities and other dental
problems.
25. Boosts Mood
Carrot leaves contain compounds that can help to boost
mood and promote feelings of well-being, reducing the risk of depression and
anxiety.
26. Enhances Sexual Health
Carrot leaves contain compounds that can help to
enhance sexual health, improve libido, and reduce the risk of sexual
dysfunction.
27. Improves Respiratory Health
Carrot leaves are a good source of vitamin C, which
can help to improve respiratory health and reduce the risk of respiratory
infections.
28. Supports Fetal Development
The high levels of folate in carrot leaves make them
an excellent food choice for pregnant women, as folate is essential for fetal
development.
29. Promotes Longevity
Carrot leaves contain a wide range of essential
nutrients that can help to promote overall health and well-being, reducing the
risk of chronic diseases and promoting longevity.
Some Cautions of Carrot
Leaves
So those are the
surprising health benefits of carrot leaves. By the looks of them, carrot
leaves do indeed seem well-rounded nutrition sources that can be essential
additions to our soups or salad. The presence of both important micronutrients can greatly enhance whatever meals we add them into.
However, there are some things to take into consideration regarding carrot
leaves which also serve to clarify some doubts before consuming them.
It is somehow believed
that carrot leaves are poisonous. Actually, it’s not true, carrot leaves by
themselves aren’t toxic at all. However, we should take care to wash the dirt
or pesticide off them before we use them for our further consumption. Carrot
leaves also don’t have any side effects unless maybe for those who are allergic
to leaves such as celery or parsley, which belong to the same family as carrot
leaves. Lastly, those who are in their pregnant should take caution before
consuming carrot leaves. A high amount of porphyrins is reported to be
contained in carrot leaves, whose effects include uterine contractions, which
could be harmful to the infant during conception.
The reason is that most of the time, migraines are caused by nutritional deficiencies, which also include anemia and low blood pressure. Therefore, consuming carrot leaves, whether mixed in salad or juice together with other ingredients, might help in relieving migraines headaches and also preventing the migraines from happening again.
Carrot leaves are often overlooked as a potential source of health benefits, despite being packed with essential nutrients that can promote well-being in various ways.
In conclusion, carrot leaves are a highly nutritious
food source that can provide a wide range of health benefits. From promoting
immunity and cardiovascular health to enhancing vision and brain function,
regular consumption of carrot leaves can help to improve overall health and
well-being. So next time you have some carrots, don't throw away the leaves,
they might just be the healthiest part!