Carrots are one of the best natural sources of beta-carotene and vitamin A, and for many people it is even the primary source.
Carrot juice is an easy and effective way to consume carrot nutrients; this is because a single glass of carrot juice of say 25cl contains the same nutrition as 3 large carrots – and it's easier to drink one glass of juice than to eat 3 large carrots.
The high vitamin content of carrots makes carrot juice a true vitamin bomb, especially beneficial for the skin, hair, nails and liver.
5 good reasons to drink carrot juice
- Vitamins: Carrot juice is an optimal source of beta-carotene and vitamin A
- Nutritional supplements: Carrot juice is proven to be healthier than carrot pills and beta-carotene pills
- Beauty: Thanks to its high vitamin content, carrot juice strengthens skin, hair and nails
- Liver: Carrot juice has a cleansing effect on the liver, improving its function
- Carrots: When you drink one 25cl glass of carrot juice, this is roughly equivalent to eating 3 large carrots
The effect of carrot juice on diseases
Smoking and beta-carotene
Smokers have an increased risk of developing various cancers when they consume beta-carotene via supplements – such as carrot capsules, multivitamins and the like. However, when smokers eat carrots or drink carrot juice, there is no increased risk according to the studies. The exact reason why supplements increase the risk of cancer is unknown, but it may be related to the increased bioavailability of beta-carotene in powder form.
In other words, this means that everyone (smokers and non-smokers alike) can benefit from drinking carrot juice and eating carrots rather than taking supplements to meet their beta-carotene and vitamin A needs. One study has even pointed out that carrot juice also protects smokers against cancer and other degenerative diseases.
Leukemia
Several scientific studies have concluded that carrot juice and its components may be used to treat leukemia (e.g. these studies from 2011 and 2012). However, the studies have not been extensive enough to consider the juice to be a proven treatment option.
Cardiovascular disease
Not much research has been done on the effects of carrot juice on cardiovascular disease, but some research has shown that the juice may be used to protect against cardiovascular disease. However, more studies are needed to confirm this property.
Other diseases
The effect of carrot juice on a number of other diseases and health problems – such as breast cancer, diabetes and others – has also been studied, but the research is still too limited to draw any conclusions about these.
Some websites claim that carrot juice can also be used for health problems such as asthma, anemia, constipation, worm infections, stomach ulcers, fertility problems, high blood cholesterol, etc. In addition, it is also claimed in some places that the juice can promote the health of the lungs, kidneys and the like.
However, there are no scientific studies on the effects of juicing on these problems and they are in no way documented or recognized by medical science.
Comparison of nutritional content
Below is a comparison of the nutritional content of canned carrot juice and raw carrots.
| Nutrient content | 100g carrot juice | 100g raw carrot | Unit of measurement |
| Energy content | 175 (42) | 162 (39) | kJ (kcal) |
| Protein (kcal) | 1,0 | 0,8 | g |
| Fat content | 0,2 | 0,4 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 9.3 (fiber: 0.8) | 9.3 (fiber: 2.7) | g |
| Water content | 88,9 | 89,1 | g |
| Vitamin A | 1288 | 756 | RE |
| ß-carotene | 15450 | 9070 | µg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0,092 | 0,034 | mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0,055 | 0,032 | mg |
| Vitamin B3 | 0,519 | 1,12 | NE |
| Vitamin B5 | 0,228 | 0,28 | mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0,217 | 0,113 | mg |
| Biotin | 0 | 3,4 | µg |
| Folate | 4 | 37,0 | µg |
| Vitamin C | 8,5 | 5,3 | mg |
| Sodium content | 29 | 66 | mg |
| Potassium | 292 | 257 | mg of |
| Calcium | 14,2 | 36 | mg |
| Magnesium (mg) | 14 | 10,4 | mg |
| Phosphorus | 24,4 | 29 | mg |
| Iron content | 0,46 | 0,348 | mg |
| Copper | 0,046 | 0,036 | mg |
| Zinc | 0,18 | 0,16 | mg |
| Iodine | 0 | 3 | µg |
| Manganese | 0,130 | 0,36 | mg |
| Chromium | 0 | 0,8 | µg |
| Selenium | 0 | 0,1 | µg |
| Nickel | 0 | 3,43 | µg |
Source: foodcomp.dk – carrot, juice, foodcomp.dk – carrots, raw
Recipe for carrot juice
Making your own carrot juice is relatively simple – but only if you have a juicer or blender (otherwise it's a difficult task and a thankless job).
- Juicer: If you have a juicer, it's straightforward; scrub the carrots thoroughly and run them through the juicer! You now have homemade carrot juice!
- Blender: If you have a blender, the recipe is a bit more complex, but still manageable:
- Scrub the carrots thoroughly and cut them into thick slices
- Put the carrot slices in the blender with a little water
- Puree them to a coarse mash or at least until they appear finely grated
- Add two cups of boiling water (for more juice and a better taste)
- Let the carrots steep with the hot water for 15 – 30 minutes
- Pour the carrots into a fine mesh strainer and squeeze as much juice through the strainer as possible
You now have homemade carrot juice!
Variations
Carrot juice can be varied with the following ingredients:
- Orange: Adding orange juice or orange juice to carrot juice is probably the most popular variation.
- Apple and ginger: This combination also has its fans, with the apple adding some tartness and the ginger adding its sharp flavor – plus this juice is rich in antioxidants and vitamins!
- Spinach and apple: This variant is especially used for cleansing the body and is packed with nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
All the ingredients above can simply be blended with/put into the juicer. Dose according to taste.
Of course, the only limit is your imagination when you want to vary your carrot juice!