According to principles of ayurveda Carrots are very good for weight loss and help you to lose belly fat. Ayurvedic principles explain benefits of Carrot juice and Carrot salad in weight loss and PCOS.
Table of Content
Ayurvedic Medicinal properties, Uses and Benefits of Carrot
Carrot Recipes for Weight Loss and PCOS
Other Ayurvedic Health Benefits of Carrots.
Carrot in Ayurveda
Carrot belongs to family Umbelliferae and has a botanical name Daucus carota Linn. Texts of ayurveda call this vegetable with different name. They are Grunjana, Gajaram, Shikimoola , Naranga varnaka, Naranga Kanda, Peetaka , Yavaneshta ,Vartula , Granthimoola Shikhimoola, Shikhakanda, Dindeeramodaka .
In India it is known by different names
- Hindi – Gajar
- Marathi – Gajar
- Kannada – Gajjari, Carrot
- Telugu – Gajaru gadda
Ayurvedic Medicinal properties, Uses and Benefits of Carrot
Texts of ayurveda explain medicinal properties of carrot as follows.
It is has Madhura rasa (Sweet taste) and Tikta rasa (Bitter taste). It is light to digest (laghu) and has sharp qualities (teekshna) . It is hot in nature (ushna veerya). It balances kapha dosha and vata dosha. It normalises digestion and helps in diarrhoea and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Seeds of this plant are aphrodisiac. Hence carrot helps in erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in men. Seeds of this plant may cause abortion in pregnant women.
Carrots for Weight Loss
We see Carrots which are of different sizes and shapes. Carrots have special healing properties. These properties are due to its nutritional components like beta carotene. Carrots are rich in anti-oxidants and contain plenty of minerals and vitamins. The rich fiber content of carrot helps body to lose weight. Carrot juice is very helpful in weight loss. Carrot juice not only helps to reduce obesity but also helps to lose belly fat. The fibers in carrot or in its juice help to trap fat molecules and expel them out before they get absorbed in body. Thus fat gets mopped when we use fresh vegetables like carrot. The anti-oxidants present in body nullify effect of free radicals and help to detoxify body. Carrots are low in calorie content and fill the stomach when consumed before meal. Thus intake of calories through meal reduces. This leads to weight loss.
Based on principles of ayurveda when you eat raw carrots , it increases vata and reduces Kapha dosha. Increased vata accelerates metabolism by kindling agni or digestive fire. This process increases metabolism and the body fat acts as fuel for this process. Thus more body fat get metabolised. Thus according to ayurvedic principles carrot, carrot juice and carrot salad help in weight loss.
Carrots are very effective when women struggle to lose weight after delivery. (Read ayurvedic tips for weight loss after delivery) . It not only helps to lose weight but also improves quality of breast milk.
Carrots for PCOS
According to principles of ayurveda carrots balance vata and kapha when eaten raw. Even though it has high glycemic index, its benefits can be harnessed by eating raw carrots in moderate quantities. Eating raw carrots helps in weight loss and also improves skin texture. This vegetable helps to reduce acne, pimple and dryness of skin which are usual symptoms of PCOS. Hair loss is a usual problem experienced by women who have PCOS or PCOD. Gajar helps to reduce hair loss and aids in healthy hair growth. Use raw carrots with salads. Avoid carrot juice and sweets made of carrot.
Carrot Recipes for Weight Loss and PCOS
Carrot tomato salad
Ingredients
Carrot – 2- coarsely grated
Tomato -1- finely chopped (Read Health benefits of Tomato)
Cilantro – finely chopped 2 tea spoon
Lemon juice – 1 tea spoon
Pepper (optional) –
Salt or Rock salt (sendha Namak) to taste
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and consume it before meals
Carrot Juice For Weight Loss and PCOS
Carrot juice is very effective in weight loss as it contains lot of fiber and fills stomach. Never strain carrot juice to remove fibers. The fibers of carrot mop the fat particles from digestive system .Hence carrot juice help to lose belly fat.
Ingredients
Carrot – 1 well washed and coarsely grated
Ginger – ¼ inch (Read Ayurveda Health Benefits of Ginger)
Cumin seeds or jeera – ¼ spoon
Lemon – 1 tea spoon (Read Lemon and Honey for Weight Loss )
Grind all ingredients in a mixer. Add water if needed. Do not strain this juice as you may lose the benefits of fibers. Drink this juice in empty stomach in early morning.
Carrots are very useful for men who suffer from erectile dysfunction due to obesity. It is suggested in food list for men who undergo Vajikarana Therapy to regain their sexual strength. Dates and Carrot salad is a recommended recipe for men.
Other Ayurvedic Health Benefits of Carrots.
Builds healthy skin, protects the eyes
Carrots are rich in anti-oxidants. They are also store houses of vitamin C and Beta Carotene. Vitamin C has immense healing properties and Beta carotene acts as anti-inflammatory. Both these nutrients help skin to recover from wounds and inflammation. They also help to speed up the healing process. Persons who suffer from skin diseases like Psoriasis, eczema, allergic rashes etc can add carrot to their daily diet. The skin of obese people looks aged. Carrots works wonders on their skin. It imparts an young look and also improves skin glow
Keeps hair and nails in good condition
Helps keep diabetes away by regulating the blood sugar
Various studies have shown that carrots are beneficial for diabetics. People with diabetes can include this colourful vegetable in their daily diet. Carrot juice contains sugar and carbohydrates , but it does not elevate blood sugar level. Usually diabetes follows obesity. If you include carrot in diet , it not only helps in weight loss but also keeps the blood sugar under control.
Weight gain affects heart too. Carrots are very good for heart and provide Calcium, Phosphorous, Iron, Sulphur and Copper.Keep your heart healthy with this vegetable while using this for weight loss.
Protects against cancer
Cancer can be fought by eating good foods which are rich in ant-oxidants and other phyto-nurients. The best way is to juice carrots and drink it every day. Since carrots are rich in anti-oxidants and other vitamins they help to slow down growth of cancerous cells and improve body energy level.
Improves the quality of breast milk :
Carrots contain Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K. Moms who want to lose post pregnancy weight can use carrots for weight loss. Carrots supply plenty of nutrients which improves quality of breast milk and also aid in weight loss.
Keeps Constipation at bay
Carrots provide good amount of fibers which improve motility of intestine and provide bulk for stool formation. Weight gain leads to constipation . But using carrots in diet not only help to lose weight but also provide solution to constipation. Some men suffer from erectile dysfunction due to constipation. (Read Can constipation cause erectile dysfunction ?). Also A carrot a day keeps diarrhoea away.
Whats App or email Dr.Savitha Suri @ [email protected], + 91 6360108663/ to know more about ayurvedic treatment for erectile dysfunction
Author : Dr. Savitha Suri Consultant Ayurvedic Physician
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