Carrot is a kitchen staple that has made its mark in global cuisine. From the rich and bhogi gajar’s pudding to the tangi and spicy gajar chutney, this versatile root vegetable adds depth to both sweet and charming dishes. You can enjoy carrot raw or cook them in hearty food. But when it comes to nutrition, the real question is – which is healthy: raw carrots or cooked carrots? Recently, fitness coach and digital manufacturer Rhalston D’Suza shared a video on Instagram while addressing the question.
In the clip, he asked, “Are raw carrots healthy compared to cooked carrots?” Their answer: “Not really. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A, which is an essential nutrient for eye health, immunity and skin.” However, there is a grip. According to a fitness specialist, “When you eat raw carrots, your body absorbs only 3 to 4 percent of beta-carotene, while cooking contains up to 40 percent absorption.” Additionally, he recommended adding a little ghee or oil to the carrot. Why? Since vitamin A is soluble in fat, these elements increase absorption. “Easy to digest carrots for cooking by reducing anti-nutrients,” he explained.
Also read: 5 Unexpected methods to add carrot peels to your diet (and why you should do it!)
You can watch the full video below:
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On a closing note, the fitness coach urged the audience to steam carrots or, “Make a good carrot vegetable for better, maximum profit.” Reacting to the clip, a user commented, “Taste like cooked carrot fingers. Raw is so tasty.” In another joke, “another reason to enjoy Gajar’s pudding.” A curious viewer asked, “Is there any difference between red and orange carrots in terms of nutrition?” Someone else shared, “I like carrots in khichdi and pulao.” Meanwhile, a meal wanted to know if “roasted” carrots were a good option.
Also read: Carrot cut hack: 5 simple ways to cut carrots for various dishes
According to the webmd, raw carrots also have a proper part of their benefits. Filled with fiber, they are rich in nutrients and help to keep you complete for a long time while reducing constipation. On the other hand, cooked carrot reduces the risk of disease if the vegetable is contaminated.
