Are carrots good for high cholesterol?

A recent study indicates that in addition to promoting good eye health, carrots may help to reduce blood cholesterol and, thus, reduce the incidence of plaque in arteries.

ksre.k-state.edu - Carrots may be good for your heart, too - K-State Research and Extension

How can I test my sperm quality at home?

Another way to test your sperm count is using a device called SpermCheck male fertility. It is fairly easy to use and to find out one's sperm count...

Last updated Oct 7, 2018

What are 5 things you value most in life?

Your Health. Treat your body with the respect it deserves. ... Your Friends. Spending time with friends is key to our emotional wellbeing. ......

Last updated Nov 29, 2021

Promotion

Carrots, in addition to promoting eye health, may also be good for your heart.

Carrots may be good for your heart, too

Recent study indicates beta-carotene helps to reduce blood cholesterol

Jan. 22, 2021

MANHATTAN, Kan. – There’s an old joke that asserts carrots are good for your eyes.

The punchline: Have you ever seen a rabbit with glasses!

Well, it turns out that carrots are pretty good for your heart, too, according to recent research from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Kansas State University food safety specialist Karen Blakeslee touted the study in a recent issue of You Asked It!, a monthly newsletter from the university’s Rapid Response Center for food science. Carrots contain beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Among its benefits, vitamin A promotes healthy skin and mucus membranes, boosts the immune system and supports eye health. “We all have an enzyme called beta-carotene oxygenase1 (BCO1) that triggers this conversion,” Blakeslee said. “But we all have different amounts of BCO1 in our bodies.” About 50% of the population has a less-active variant of BCO1, Blakeslee noted. The Illinois study found that beta-carotene contributes to an active BCO1, which in turn helps to lower blood cholesterol. In studies using mice, those that produced more vitamin A had lower amounts of lipids (fat-like substances found in blood and body tissues) in the bloodstream. “As a result, blood cholesterol is reduced, which in turn reduces issues with atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease by reducing plaque inside arteries,” Blakeslee said. Atherosclerosis, a buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances on the artery walls, restricts blood flow and is a major contributor to stroke, myocardial infarction and angina. Blakeslee said the study’s results should be taken in the context that carrots contribute to a healthy heart. “We all have varying amounts of BCO1 enzyme activity, so we still need to consume foods that already contain vitamin A, such as milk and cheese,” she said. “This is more evidence that eating a balanced diet and a variety of foods will promote a healthy lifestyle. The newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020-2025) continue to recommend that half your plate consists of fruits and vegetables, and that we should make every bite count with such nutrient dense foods as carrots.” More information on food safety and healthy eating is available through K-State’s Rapid Response Center, and K-State Research and Extension’s food safety website.

Why do daughters love their fathers more?

Daughters naturally crave connection with their fathers, and they especially cherish emotional and physical affection from their fathers. In fact,...

Last updated Dec 16, 2021

Can your body hurt if your blood pressure is too high?

High blood pressure can cause many heart problems, including: Coronary artery disease. Arteries narrowed and damaged by high blood pressure have...

Last updated Dec 19, 2018

Promotion

Is beer harmful for prostate?

It's only when the daily quantity of beer consumed reaches a certain threshold that the risk starts to rise. “For example, our model shows that for...

Last updated May 1, 2022

Who should not take olive oil?

People with diabetes should check their blood sugar when using olive oil. Surgery: Olive oil might affect blood sugar. Using olive oil might affect...

Last updated Sep 28, 2021

Promotion

What is the life expectancy with advanced prostate cancer?

A decade ago, a man with metastatic prostate cancer would typically have a life expectancy of two to three years. Today, life expectancy for men...

Last updated Jan 6, 2018

Promotion

Does ashwagandha solve erectile dysfunction?

Along with this, ashwagandha has been shown to increase testosterone, which increases sex drive and helps prevent the development of erectile...

Last updated Apr 25, 2022