Under the scientific name of Daucus carota L. ssp. Sativa Hoffm . ( family Umbelliferae) , carrot roots was proved to be useful both in bold , and the dry seeds and leaves. Being rich in vitamins, sugars and minerals , juicy carrot root , yellow -orange , has been used for centuries in traditional medicine as an energizing component , essential food for children , the sick , pregnant women and the elderly and exceptional source of natural antioxidant against cancer .
Biochemical content of carrot is very diversified , which explains the many benefits the whole body nutrition and health maintenance .
The roots have a high content of carotenoids ( orange giving ) mainly beta- carotene, which is converted by the body into vitamin A, vitamin called beauty, with direct effects on the skin , heart and immune system .
In addition to vitamin A ( 120 microns . 100 g ) , there are the vitamins B1 , B2 , B6 , C , E, K , P , PP , which explains the need for consumption of the roots supported in the event of severe vitamin deficiency . In parallel offers a wealth of minerals, absolutely necessary for growth and human health : iron (7% ) , potassium , phosphorus , calcium, magnesium , etc.
The therapeutic effects are due to other organic compounds such as carbohydrates ( 6% ) , especially levulose , and dextrose , pectin , proteins, glycolipids , phospholipids , sterols , lecithins , fatty acids ( linoleic acid, palmitic ) , amino acid ( asparagine ) and daucarina - a potent vasodilator in the brain.
The energy value of roots is 30 kcal per 100 g, of which 93 % is easily resorbed by the body energy .
Dry seeds contain a complex essential oil ( 0.4-0.8 %) predominating sesquiterpenes in amounts exceeding 50-60 % of the total.
The compounds are significant amounts of oxygenated monoterpene ( geraniol , terpineol , terpinyl acetate and geranyl ) , as well as monoterpene hydrocarbons ( camphene , felandren , tujen , pinene , limonene ) .
The leaves contain organic acids ( caffeic acid , ferulic acid ) , chlorophyll , vegetable fibers and minerals (iron , aluminum , zinc , magnesium , etc. ) .
