Ever heard or been told to eat your carrots for better vision? Carrots are a popular root vegetable in the United States and are full of beta-carotene. This is then converted into Vitamin A, which is what supports our eye health. However, carrots are so much more than this. Carrots are full of other nutrients like fiber, particularly soluble fiber that you recently learned about, as well as water. Carrots also contain carotenoids that may help reduce your risk for heart disease.
One common misconception about carrots is that they are a “bad” food for diabetics. To start, challenge yourself to not think of foods as “good” or “bad”. This can create a negative relationship with food. Secondly, according to the American Diabetes Association, carrots are a great choice to include as part of a diabetic-friendly diet. The soluble fiber in carrots helps to gradually absorb the carbohydrates present in this vegetable, leading to a lower risk in blood sugar spikes.
Besides the health benefits, carrots are relatively affordable. They come in fresh, canned, and frozen forms, making them a versatile option depending on your preference and/or budget needs. They’re also available year-round!