Insights & Discussion
Carrots, rich in carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamins, have numerous health benefits including antioxidants, immune enhancement, and anti-cancer properties.
The paper provides an insightful review of carrots and their biochemical properties and wide-ranging health benefits. It presents carrots as a tuber crop rich in elements like carotenoids, vitamins, and soluble fiber, which contribute to their wellness properties. The consumption of carrots is increasing owing to their recognized value as a natural source of antioxidants with anti-cancer properties.
The review also discusses the various uses of carrots and its by-products, carrot pomace, in food processing to boost the nutritional content of various products. The carrots are used in diverse culinary preparations from salads & curries to nutritionally rich processed goods like juices, dry powder, candy, pickle, and gazrailla. Furthermore, carrot pomace which is abundant in beta-carotene is used to improve products such as bakery goods and also to create a range of useful products.
Discover Related Insights
Green tea, coffee, wine, and curry have beneficial health effects due to the polyphenols they contain, which possess both antioxidant and pro-oxidant properties.
2021 Molecules The Beneficial Effects of Principal Polyphenols from Green Tea, Coffee, Wine, and Curry on Obesity Ohishi T, Fukutomi R, Shoji Y, Goto S, Isemura M
Review Article Anti-Diabetic Anticancer Antioxidant
The research leverages epidemiological studies, clinical trials, cell-based studies and animal tests to examine the effects of green tea, coffee, wine, and curry -- and their key polyphenols -- on human health. The polyphenols investigated include epigallocatechin gallate in green tea, chlorogenic acid in coffee, resveratrol in wine, and curcumin in curry. The study concentrates on the workings of these polyphenols, primarily focusing on reactive oxygen species (ROS), and how they perform both anti- and pro-oxidant functions, fundamentally influencing different enzymes and factors with health contributions.
In the discussion of the results, it is mentioned that the anti-oxidative actions of these polyphenols assist in the scavenging of ROS and the downregulation of the nuclear factor-κB, yielding beneficial anti-inflammatory effects. Conversely, their pro-oxidant actions appear to elevate ROS production, encouraging the activation of 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase that regulates different enzymes and factors for health improvement. However, the exact mechanism of how these polyphenols exhibit either pro- or anti-oxidant effects remains unclear. Also, the research underscores that while many studies note their health benefits, some others show no positive effects on health conditions such as obesity, suggesting that outcomes could be influenced by various study factors.
Avocado, particularly the Hass variety, has substantial health benefits due to its rich contents of nutrients, fiber, and bioactive constituents including antioxidants.
2020 Antioxidants in Fruits: Properties and Health Benefits Avocado Majid D, Dar BN, Parveen S, Jabeen A, Allai FM, Sofi SA, et al.
Review Article Antioxidant Avocado Health Benefits
The methodology of the paper involves a comprehensive overview of avocado, focusing on the extensively cultivated Hass variety. The research explored various components of the avocado which include not only the fruit, but also the seeds, leaves, and skin. These parts were analyzed for their nutritional and bioactive constituents such as phytochemicals, phytosterols, vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, the use of avocado leaves in traditional medicine, the rich composition of the peel and seeds, and the potential health benefits of avocado oil were investigated.
The discussion of results revealed that avocados, particularly Hass avocados, are a substantial source of beneficial nutrients, fiber, and bioactive components. It was found that leaves of the avocado have antioxidant properties and are used in traditional medicine. The peel and seeds showed a rich content of phenolic compounds, starch, and fiber. The research also determined that avocado oil presents health advantages and can be used as a good alternative substitute for olive oil. Avocados are largely consumed as a vegetable, often in combination with other ingredients.