With the arrival of winter, markets are flooded with green vegetables. Fenugreek, bathua, mustard greens, and gram leaves become particularly popular for their incredible taste.
Winter also brings carrots and radishes into season. Red carrots, whether eaten raw, cooked, or in desserts like halwa, offer numerous health benefits. However, this season also introduces a lesser-known yet highly beneficial vegetable — black carrots, often referred to as ‘desi carrots.’ While red carrots are common, black carrots are packed with essential nutrients like fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, making them highly beneficial for digestion, heart health, and overall well-being.
In traditional medicine, especially in India and parts of the Middle East, black carrots are valued for their medicinal properties. Including them in your diet can offer several health advantages:
Cancer Prevention: Black carrots contain anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant that combats free radicals responsible for aging and cancer. These phytonutrients help inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Improved Digestion: Rich in fiber, black carrots promote healthy digestion and help alleviate constipation and other stomach issues.
Heart Health: Black carrots can help control blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels, thereby lowering the risk of heart diseases. Even black carrot halwa can benefit your heart.
Better Vision: Like red carrots, black carrots are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which support eye health and improve vision by keeping the retina in good condition.
Blood Sugar Control: With a low glycemic index, black carrots help regulate blood sugar levels, making them suitable for diabetic patients.
Glowing Skin: Black carrots enhance skin health by reducing wrinkles and providing anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help resolve skin problems.
Stronger Immunity: Packed with vitamin C and other nutrients, black carrots boost the immune system, protecting against colds and infections.
Incorporating black carrots into your winter diet can provide multiple health benefits, making them a valuable addition to seasonal nutrition.