Too often we discard the carrot tops and save their sweet roots. The herbal, parsley-like greens are a useful part of the vegetable. They can be balanced, sautéed, braised simmered in soups and stews, eaten raw in a salad, spun into a pesto, or blended into a smoothie.
Carrots are very easy to grow in a raised bed, container or well dug soil. You can trim the greens and use them as their roots continue to mature beneath the soil.
The nutritive value of carrot tops trumps that of their sweet roots.
High in vitamin C
Because of its high vitamin C content which is six times more than that of the roots, adding carrot greens as a part of your diet along with other healthy foods can help in protecting the immune system. It may even help your body to fight against cough and cold, also ensuring healthy, glowing skin.
Rich source of chlorophyll
Chlorophyll contains powerful phytonutrients which work toward preventing the growth and formation of tumors. Studies show carrot leaves to have the ability to inhibit the growth of tumorous cells, in turn restricting malignant cell division.
Effects on the kidney: Acting as a mild diuretic, chlorophyll helps in stimulating the flow of urine while its detoxifying properties aid in filtering the kidney, thus minimizing the risk of edema as well as combatting kidney stones or dissolving the ones already formed.
Effects on the colon: The detoxification effects of chlorophyll also help in loosening and cleansing the colon while the dietary fibers assist in pushing out the accumulated wastes, promoting better absorption of nutrients.
Ensures a good heart health
Including carrot greens as a part of your diet may ensure good heart health as its high potassium content and antioxidant properties work towards regulating blood pressure as well as protecting the heart from getting damaged by free radicals.
For bone health
The high content of magnesium in chlorophyll helps in toning, contracting, and relaxing the muscles, whereas Vitamin K helps in increasing bone density. Carrot greens contain a combination of both, thus having it in substantial amounts may lead to sound bone health, lessening the chances of bone-related problems like osteoporosis.
So, the next time you think about tossing your carrot tops. Hold on!!
Let’s finish with a beautiful recipe!
Enjoy real, whole food every day with your kids and watch your health soar!! I would love to hear your tips on how you are using carrot tops!!