Carrots, one of the most versatile vegetables, is a star. They can be steamed, cooked, boiled or eaten raw, each gives a distinct taste. We have been munching on this super food since thousands of years and they have been a part of varied Indian preparations. Besides that, carrots are one of the healthiest vegetables which are available all year. Red carrots especially are a winter speciality. How can we miss out on Gajar ka Halwa during a cold winter night? There have been several talks on how good a glass of carrot juice can be for you immunity levels and your eyesight. So, let’s dive a little deeper into the health benefits of this veggie!

• Helps you see in the dark: Heard that a lot from our elders, you have got to eat carrots for good eyesight. They are super rich in Vitamin A, which is known to improve eye sight. If you want to have 20-20 vision, even as a 70 year old, you have to start loving carrots from today.
• Helps to prevent cancer: Carrots have carotenoids which have been known to prevent oral and other types of cancer.
• Helps keep sugar in control: Antioxidants help in regulating blood sugar levels of our body and carrots are loaded with them. So, eat them in abundance especially if you are diabetic.
• Good hair and skin: If you want good long hair, carrots are the one for you. They are packed with Vitamin A and C and therefore aid hair growth. Healthy glowing skin and better complexion are also added benefits of eating carrots. You can even try making some face masks out of them and see the result for yourself.
• Healthy teeth: They have certain components which have long been known for protecting your teeth. Raw carrots help clear plaque and keeps bad breath away.

Here’s a list of 5 must-try carrot recipes!

Carrot and Ginger Juice: Your kids won’t go a day without this juice once they try it. This Carrot juice is a nutritional punch made with the goodness of carrots and the freshness of ginger. A refreshing and filling juice to start your day with! Top it with some fresh mint leaves and you are good to go!

Carrot and Oatmeal cookies: These are the healthiest cookies you can have. Prepared with a combination of crunchy carrots and healthy oats, they have an amazing taste. They are beneficial for you and your loved ones. Make a batch and serve smiles today!

Baked Carrot Delight: If you want to try something different with carrots, you can try this recipe. It has an enriching taste of carrots with a mix of orange juice and is a rich creamy delight. It is super easy to make and will make you look at carrots in a whole new light.

Carrot and sprout salad: All the nutrients on your plate. This super healthy salad is prepared with grated carrots and mixed sprouts along with some roasted peanuts and fresh coconuts. It serves as a perfect breakfast for all and especially for people who are on diet. Don’t forget to add some curry leaves for an amazing aroma and flavour!

Gajar Halwa with Pistachio Coulis: Can’t ever get done with carrots without gajar ka halwa. This classic Indian dessert, after a heavy dinner or lunch is a must have in winters. The piping hot halwa served with a creamy pistachio sauce is enough for you to fall in love with this recipe! Garnished with some crunchy almonds and pistachios, it’s heavenly.

While we are too busy watching out for the bigger things in life and ignoring our health, carrots are sweet and caring enough to take care of all that we need. Therefore, do eat lots of raw carrots every day when you are in a hurry, and take out time to try these recipes too, we guarantee that you won’t be disappointed!