Get grounded with this winter superfood
Heirlooms are special because they grow from seeds that have been passed down from generation to generation[1]. Since they grow until fully ripe, they have much higher nutrient levels than mass produced vegetables that are picked too early. These low-calorie, beautiful carrots range from purple to yellow to pale cream to orange. Whether roasted, baked, sautéed or raw, these sweet and colorful roots are pure nutritious goodness. Get a taste with Veestro’s mushroom risotto, topped with bright heirloom carrots.
Why they’re so good:- Great for your skin, eyes and digestive system
- Help prevent disease and may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Help with the effects of diabetes
- Supports the nervous system and brain
- Loaded with Beta-carotene, antioxidants, phytonutrients, minerals
A deeper dive into antioxidants:
Antioxidant properties
“Antioxidants are man-made or natural substances that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage. There is good evidence that eating a diet with lots of vegetables and fruits is healthy and lowers risks of certain diseases,” says the NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine[2]. The purple pigment is especially high in antioxidants, which can help lower your LDL cholesterol (most people think of it as the “bad" one) and supporting the slowdown of the aging process[3]. Also, evidence shows that antioxidants help diabetes by neutralizing the damage to blood vessels by strengthening the blood cells and improving blood flow.
Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene Is a Carotenoid, which are found naturally and are mostly responsible for the bright colors in many fruits and vegetables. Considered an antioxidant, it converts to vitamin A, which has many health benefits, such as protecting cells from free radical damage and helps skin stay healthy[4]. It’s also very important for maintaining eye health, night vision and the ability to adapt to changes in light. Additionally, the British Medical Journal published research that shows that high levels of Beta-carotene can help slow the decline of lungpower due to aging[5].
Read more about Veggie Anatomy 101: Carrots.
References:
[1] http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/dirt-heirloom-vegetables
[2] http://www.livestrong.com/article/440964-purple-carrot-health-benefits/
[3]https://vsearch.nlm.nih.gov/vivisimo/cgi-bin/query-meta?query=antioxidants&v%3Aproject=nlm-main-website
[4] http://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/vitamins/beta-carotene/
[5] http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/252758.php?page=2
