Benefits of Healthy Carrot Snacks
Carrots are an all-around healthy food. They are low in
calories, and provide fiber and micro-nutrients such as vitamin A. The best way
to snack on carrots is to eat carrot sticks, but you can also cut large carrots
into slices for dipping. Shredded carrots make a great addition to sandwiches
as well. Here are a few ways you can create healthy carrot snacks.
History: Carrots are a root vegetable that originated in
Asia. For centuries, the Chinese have understood the medicinal value of
carrots. Chinese medicine has used the common vegetable to improve everything
from an irritated stomach to a persistent cough to sexual dysfunction.
Significance: The beta carotene that is prominent in carrots
not only aids in improving eyesight, it is also a powerful antioxidant that
fights cancer cells.
Vitamin A is important to the respiratory system as it reduces inflammation and
emphysema of the lungs.
Function: A daily portion of only a half cup of carrots
provides your body with the amount of nutrients needed to combat heart disease,
vision loss and cancer.
Benefits: Eating carrots is also beneficial to those who
battle hypertension, constipation and even to those who suffer from dandruff.
Considerations: To ensure a proper daily dosage of carrots,
consider juicing them along with a blend of other fruits or vegetables.
Healthy Snacks
Dip your carrots in natural peanut butter or other nut
butters such as almond butter. This will provide you with protein and healthy
fat in addition to the nutrients in the carrots.
Use your carrots as healthy dippers for hummus made of
chickpeas and baba ghanoush made of eggplant. You can find these dips at your
local deli counter, or make them yourself.
Create a vegetable dip for your carrots using plain yogurt
and your favorite herbs and spices such as chives, basil or cilantro. Add a
little salt, pepper and garlic powder for more flavor.
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Make a snack sandwich with shredded or thinly sliced
carrots, chopped apples and peanut butter on bread. Heat and press the sandwich
to create a warm Panini.
Create a snack wrap with your carrots. Spread a small amount
of cream cheese on a small flour tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, sliced
cucumbers and shredded carrot, and roll up.
Add carrots to other fruit juices in your juicer for a
nutritional boost. Try apple and carrot, or orange and carrot juice.
