Ye Olde Carrot

I eat carrots at least once a day. They are one of the most nutritious veggies, an excellent source of nutrients and they taste great!

Different carrot varieties

The most known nutrient is the beta-carotene, you probably heard of it. But what exactly is beta-carotene? It is what gives carrots their color. It turns into Vitamine A when digested. Among other things, it helps the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells in the body. 
Beta-carotene is used to prevent tons of diseases: heart disease, cataracts, alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, epilepsy, headache, heartburn, high blood pressure, and many more. 

Minerals found in carrots are calcium, potassium and magnesium. 

Carrot lowers bad cholesterol! Two and a half medium-sized raw carrots eaten daily willlower blood cholesterol by about 11%. 

Only 3% of the beta-carotene in raw carrots is released during digestion: this can be improved to 39% by cooking them with oil (as carotenoids are fat-soluble). But don't overcook, or it will all be lost. 

Here's an easy and quick recipe which will help you give your kids carrots and other veggies!

Veggie soy chicken breasts

Don't overcook sprouts!!

- 1/2 lb chicken breast (boneless), cut bite size
- 1 carrot, cut in bite size strips
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into bit size
- 2 cups sprouts, rinsed and ends picked
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 cup chives, finely cut
- 1 squash

Boil squash cut in pieces, peel it and mash it. You can use mashed squash as a healthy replacement of mashed potatoes! Heat a pan with the olive oil and add bell pepper and chicken breast. Mix and after three minutes add the carrots and chives. When the chicken is cooked, add sprouts and soy sauce.
Serve with mashed squash as side dish.

Enjoy!