At twelve times the concentration of raw carrots, carrot powder makes a great supplement with a range of benefits for the human body, from antioxidant mechanisms to promoting the health of cells and organs. To get the equivalent micro- and macro-nutrients as a 30g serve of carrot powder, three large carrots would need to be consumed, making the supplement a convenient option. Research suggests that very little nutritional value is lost when carrots are turned into powder, only the concentration is increased with the reduction of water.
Source: Australian Food Composition Database (FSANZ)
Pigment
Beta carotene is a potent antioxidant that is highly present in carrots following the conversion to powder process. It is responsible for the familiar bright orange colour that carrots and other orange- and yellow-coloured vegetables possess. Beta carotene provides the body with a range of benefits including antioxidant activity, increased provitamin A levels and prevention of chronic diseases.
The antioxidant activities of beta carotene can help to balance and reduce the free radicals in the body. If free radicals are not neutralised by antioxidants, they can be harmful to the body as they can cause inflammation, deterioration of cells, accelerated aging, and some cancers.
Beta carotene is metabolized into provitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that also exhibits antioxidant properties which help reduce the extent of oxidative damage. Vitamin A is an important micronutrient for maintaining eye health as it is a component of rhodopsin, a protein that acts as the primary photoreceptor in the eyes. Rhodopsin is responsible for the appropriate response to light, something that cannot occur without the adequate levels of vitamin A consumed through food or supplementation.
Dietary Fibre
Carrot powder is a good source of dietary fibre, which can help to promote a healthy digestive system. The human body does not produce the enzymes to break down dietary fibre, therefore it cannot be absorbed or add any caloric value to the body.
With little to no caloric value, dietary fibre can still provide feelings of satiety and fullness, making it a potential aid in weightloss. There are two types of dietary fibre, soluble and insoluble. Soluble dietary fibre absorbs water in the digestive system, forming a gel that slows down the rate of food digested, lengthening the time a person feels full, and potentially aiding with weight control.
Not only does soluble dietary fibre slow the digestion of food, it also slows the digestion of glucose into the blood. This reduces the risk of a blood glucose spike following food consumption and decreasing chances of hyperglycaemia. Research suggests that consuming a diet high in dietary fibre can help to prevent and control Type 2 Diabetes by stabilising blood glucose levels and reducing risk of hyperglycaemia.
Supplementing with carrot powder can provide the body with great benefits if inadequate levels of orange-coloured vegetables are being consumed in the diet. One serve (30g) of our carrot powder provides similar benefits to eating three large carrots. By adding carrot powder to smoothies, baking cakes/ muffins, soups, pasta sauces, curries, or simply mixing with water for a sweet drink, the opportunities are endless!
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