One of the world’s healthiest veggies is the carrot. They are readily accessible all over the world and come in a variety of colors and sizes.
According to historians, carrots have been cultivated and consumed since the 1500s. Carrots were first grown in the purple, white, and yellow colors. The red and orange variations developed considerably later.
Regardless of hue, there is sufficient data to demonstrate that carrots are a superfood with several health advantages. Each type of this food, which is high in antioxidants, gives us extra amounts of vitamins.
Carrots of every color—from deep red to orange to purplish black—are lining the aisles of the marketplaces. Only a few regions of North India may be found to grow purple carrots, also known as Kali Gajar. The additional antioxidant pigments in these carrots, which may prevent illnesses like arthritis and numerous heart ailments, give them their distinctive color.
The entire nation loves the orange and red carrots, also known as Desi Gajar. So what makes the two different from one another? Is the nutritional profile also much different, or is it only the color?
Red VS Orange Carrots – What’s the Difference?
Dr. Anju Sood, a nutritionist based in Bangalore, claims, “The carrots with the orange color are hybrids. They’ve been genetically modified. While the red ones are the non-hybrid original kind, they are more often grown in Asia. As a result, red carrots are more nutrient-dense. Because it contains more beta carotene, it has a crimson tint “.
Red Carrots
The naturally occurring group of pigments known as beta carotene is responsible for giving many fruits and vegetables their color, including red carrots.
For the production of vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy vision, beta carotene is crucial. Carrots have the most beta-carotene, although it is also present in pumpkin, apricots, and nectarines.
The crimson color is also due to a substance called lycopene, which is also present in tomatoes. Because of its significant antioxidant qualities, lycopene shields our body from free radicals and lowers our chance of developing heart disease.
Orange Carrots
Beta-carotene, which differs significantly from that in red carrots, also gives orange carrots their vibrant hue. There is no doubt that red carrots naturally contain more antioxidant compounds. The vitamin A, E, and K content of orange carrots is quite high. It also has lutein and lycopene, two antioxidants that are good for the eyes.
Red Carrot VS Orange Carrot Nutrition
Here, we contrast the nutritional advantages of red and orange carrots and discuss how both are beneficial to human health.
Red Carrot Health Benefits
- Lycopene, a substance also present in tomatoes, is what gives red carrots their distinctive red color.
- Red carrots contain lycopene, which shields our body from free radical damage. It is thought to protect heart disease and kill cancer cells.
- Red carrots contain vitamin A, which is necessary for good eye health. Anthocyanin-containing phytonutrients are also present in red carrots.
- Strong antioxidants like anthocyanin can help prevent cell damage and lower the risk of heart attacks.
Orange Carrot Health Benefits
- Vitamin A, E, and K are abundant in orange carrots. Vitamin K helps with blood clotting and enhances bone health, while vitamin E strengthens the immune system. Vitamin A is crucial for eye health.
- Vitamin E provides the skin its natural shine and is also known as a skin vitamin supplement.
- The beta carotene included in orange carrots is a powerful antioxidant that guards the body from oxidative harm.
- Lutein, a pigment found in orange carrots, can lower the risk of macular degeneration and other age-related disorders.
Usage of Red Carrots and Orange Carrots
The easiest veggies to prepare are carrots. They may be added to stews, soups, salads, or be steamed or cooked.
1. Raw carrots
When consumed fresh, carrots—both red and orange—offer the greatest nutritional value. A few carrot sticks each day can help children’s teeth become stronger and cleaner, and they may also promote lower-jaw growth.
2. Juicing
The largest concentration of beta carotene is found in juice. suitable as a basic component in fruit and vegetable juice blends.
In order to achieve the optimum nutritional characteristics of the vegetable, orange carrots are created by changing the genes. Therefore, juicing orange carrots may increase their nutritional yield. Additionally, they contain less sugar than red Desi Gajar.
The largest concentration of beta carotene is found in juice. suitable as a basic component in fruit and vegetable juice blends.
In order to achieve the optimum nutritional characteristics of the vegetable, orange carrots are created by changing the genes. Therefore, juicing orange carrots may increase their nutritional yield. Additionally, they contain less sugar than red Desi Gajar.
3. Cooking
Desi carrots are a seasonal crop, whereas hybrid carrots are available all year long. Desi or red carrots are favored for dessert preparation because they are more sweet, juicy, and crisp. In contrast to Europe or America, where there is a limited supply of carrots, Indians enjoy the luxury of consuming red carrots for a longer period of the year. The orange varieties, which are less sweet and frequently used for grilling, sautéing, and salads, are used more frequently throughout the rest of the world.
Red Carrot VS Orange Carrot – Which One Is Better?
In nature, whether it be in fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, or birds, we may see a wide range of hues. Regarding food, colors hold a lot of significance. Carrots, whether they are red, orange, or purple, are unquestionably one of the most wholesome and nutrient-dense veggies you can indulge in this winter. So, let’s get going!
An anti-aging diet that includes all the colors of the rainbow is advised. A rainbow diet includes foods of all the hues that are found in nature. So, by adding colored fruits and veggies to your plate, you might improve your health quotient.
Therefore, eating a variety of carrots may be a great way to add color and a wealth of nutrients to our diet.
The outcome is….
There are several advantages to both red and orange carrots. Therefore, both are excellent.
Always keep in mind that a colorful plate indicates a healthier you!