All types of carrots are highly nutritious, but the purple carrot is especially rich in powerful antioxidants, known to fight inflammation and benefit certain health conditions.

Not many people know, but in the past carrots were originally purple or white, while the modern carrot, the orange, probably originated from a new breed of yellow carrot, which was developed as a result of a genetic mutation .

Thus, red and purple carrots are considered oriental varieties, while yellow, orange, or white carrots are known as the Western type.

Nutritional value

All varieties of the vegetable - regardless of their color - are packed with various nutrients, such as fiber, potassium, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin A, and certain vitamins of the B complex. However, what makes the purple carrot nutritionally unique is its content of antioxidant anthocyanins .

Anthocyanins belong to the polyphenol family of antioxidants. They help protect the body from oxidative stress, which refers to an imbalance between reactive molecules called free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Oxidative stress has been associated with health conditions such as cancer, mental decline, heart disease, and aging.

In addition, the food is relatively low in calories, as 1 cup (128 grams) of raw carrot provides only 52 calories .

Benefits of Purple Carrots

Promotes eye health

The purple carrot is rich in vitamin C and other eye-healthy properties. However, unlike the orange carrot, the purple version has anthocyanin (the substance that gives it its color), which helps improve night vision and overall vision, protecting the eyes from damage caused by free radicals.

Read more: Best foods for eye health

Protects brain health

Antioxidant-rich diets are notorious for benefiting brain health. promote the reversal of the effects of age that affect brain health Sometimes, in addition to the age factor, these effects are the result of oxidative stress, promoted by the action of free radicals in the body. But the action of free radicals can be effectively combated by antioxidants.

Protects heart health

Food is related to better control of the cholesterol level in the body In particular, it reduces the presence of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the body. In addition, it works to regulate the blood sugar level and thus may also be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

Read also: High-fiber diet can prevent heart disease and diabetes

Helps in weight loss

Not only that, it is also a fiber-rich food. Thus, it fights constipation (constipation) and, consequently, prevents the feeling of bloating. In addition, due to its abundance of fiber, the purple carrot helps to keep us satiated for a longer time. Thus, it helps in weight loss.

Helps muscle recovery

The purple carrot is a friendly food for athletes, because it helps muscle recovery. The anthocyanin in its composition promotes improved physical performance by reducing exhaustion. In this sense, it helps muscle recovery, as well as benefiting physical performance by optimizing blood flow.

How to consume the purple carrot

Although more rare, purple carrots can be found for sale in organic markets, fairs, and health food stores. They can be eaten in the same ways as orange carrots - raw, cooked, roasted, or dehydrated.