Purple carrots ( Daucus carota ssp. sativus) are a carrot varietythat contain high levels of anthocyanins, antioxidant pigments that give the vegetable its rich purple color. With up to 1,750 milligrams (mg) of anthocyanins per kilogram (kg) of carrot, purple carrots are often used as natural food coloring for drinks, candies, and ice cream.1 However, the color has much more benefit than visual appeal.
Anthocyanins in purple carrots support vision, skin health, and brain function.23 Purple carrots also contain many of the same carotenoids—antioxidant pigments that give plants yellow, orange, and red colors—of traditional orange carrots. One of these carotenoids is beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, meaning purple carrots deliver the health-promoting effects of vitamin A.42 Design by Health / Stocksy May Have Anti-Aging Effects
Aging involves the decline of bodily functions necessary for survival and reproduction. One key factor in aging may be the accumulation of damaging substances called reactive oxygen species (ROS).5
Carotenoids, fat-soluble pigments in carrots and tomatoes, have been linked to anti-aging effects. They may help by assisting in the production of certain protective enzymes (proteins that aid in digestion and other important functions). These enzymes protect against ROS-related cell damage and toxins in the body.6
Another factor of aging involves the length of your telomeres, which protect your cells. Telomeres are protective caps that seal the end of your chromosomes (thread-like structures inside the cell’s nucleus). They shorten each time a cell divides—a necessary process to grow, repair, and replace damaged cells. When a cell’s telomeres become too short, the cell can no longer thrive. ROS and inflammation can accelerate this process.76
Research suggests that eating foods rich in beta-carotene, like purple carrots, might keep your telomeres longer. This might slow down cell death and help you live longer and healthier.6 Protects Eye Health
Purple carrots contain the carotenoids occurring in the typical orange carrots, including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin—all of which have eye-protective qualities .82
Beta-carotene may reduce the risks of cataracts (cloudy areas that develop in the eye lens). Cataracts happen when aging or other factors lead to changes in the eye lens. If […]
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