Health Benefits Of Baby Carrots

The baby carrot was invented in the late 1980s by California carrot grower Mike Yurosek, as a way to utilize carrots that were too knobby or misshapen to be sold. This new baby-cut method significantly decreases carrot waste for farmers. Unfortunately, as a semi-processed food, the baby carrot loses some of its nutritional value through the peeling process -- but it still offers a number of health benefits.

Weight Management

Baby carrots are low in calories, making them a healthy choice when watching your calorie intake for weight management. In addition, as a ready-to-go food, the baby carrot also makes a convenient snack or meal accompaniment. Because baby carrots vary in size, the serving size is based on a standard weight of 85 g. One standard serving of baby carrots contains 30 calories.

Aid in Hunger Control

Not only is the baby carrot low in calories, but it is also a good source of fiber. A standard serving of baby carrots contains 2.5 g of fiber. Fiber, also known as roughage, is a type of carbohydrate you cannot digest, which slows digestion and increases hunger control. Controlling hunger can also aid in weight management. The fiber in the baby carrot also improves bowel function and can help prevent constipation.

Good for Your Eyes

The baby carrot is a good source of both vitamin A and lutein. A standard serving contains 586 IU of vitamin A and 304 micrograms of lutein. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps keep the surface of your eyes healthy. Lutein is a carotenoid primarily found in the eye. As an antioxidant it protects your eyes from oxidation and may help prevent cataracts, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Good Source of Beta Carotene

Beta carotene is the plant form of vitamin A responsible for the deep orange color of the baby carrot. Your body is able to convert beta carotene into retinol, the usable form of vitamin A. In addition, beta carotene also acts as an antioxidant and may offer protection against certain types of cancer and heart disease. The American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society both recommend including food sources of beta carotene in your diet for good health, aiming for five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

Aids in Blood Pressure Control

Baby carrots are also a good source of potassium. A standard serving contains 201 mg of potassium. Potassium is a mineral that can help improve your blood pressure by decreasing the effects of sodium on blood pressure. The average adult should aim for 4,700 mg of potassium from natural sources a day. A high-potassium diet is not safe for everyone including the elderly and those with kidney disease. Consult your physician before increasing your intake.