Carrot juice, obviously made from fresh carrots, is often used
as a health food because it's low in fat, calories and sugar. It also
supplies a good dose of many key nutrients, including a small amount of
protein. Chilled carrot juice is available at most health food stores,
as well as many large supermarkets, which makes it easy for you to add
to your diet.
Protein in Carrot Juice
A 1-cup serving of carrot juice contains approximately 2
grams of protein. That's not much toward the daily recommendation of 8
grams per 20 pounds of body weight. For example, if you weigh 120
pounds, you should aim to eat 48 grams of protein each day. A cup of
carrot juice is only about 5 percent of that goal.
Importance of Protein
Proteins are the building blocks of life, and without it, you
wouldn't be able to survive. Protein is essential for most of the
things your body does such as move, think and grow. Without enough
protein, you can experience decreased muscle mass, reduced immunity and
weakening of your heart, according to the Harvard School of Public
Health. It's rare for people living in the United States to become
deficient in protein since there's access to a wide variety of
protein-rich foods such as meat, beans, nuts, seeds and dairy products.
Additional Nutrients
One cup of carrot juice supplies 2,256 micrograms of vitamin
A. That's 320 percent of the 700 micrograms women should have each day
as part of a healthy diet. It's 250 percent of the 900 micrograms men
need on a daily basis. Vitamin A keeps your retinas healthy so you can
see normally, especially in low light. The nutrient also aids the
formation of genes and keeps your immune system strong. The same cup of
carrot juice delivers 20 milligrams of vitamin C, which is 27 percent of
the 75 milligrams women need each day and 22 percent of the 90
milligrams men should have. Vitamin C is another nutrient that keeps
your immune system strong and healthy. You'll also get a good dose of
vitamin E, which protects your cells from damage, as well as potassium
for a healthy heart.
Drinking Carrot Juice
The easiest way to add carrot juice to your healthy diet is
to drink a glass of the juice chilled. Many people, however, don't
really care for the taste of straight carrot juice, because it isn't as
sweet as fruit juices. Mix equal parts of carrot juice and 100 percent
apple juice to make it sweeter and more flavorful. Add carrot juice to
pasta sauce or soup to boost nutrition. Add a bit of carrot juice to the
cooking liquid you use to cook pasta, rice or other grains. It'll add
flavor, as well as a healthy dose of vitamin A. You could also use
carrot juice in your favorite smoothie recipe.
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