Consumption of carrot prevents colon cancer, others – Expert

A Nutritionist, Mrs Osas Egwebe, has said that carrot juice has anti-carcinogen properties that helps in the protection of cancer of the colon and other ailments.

Egwebe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja that carrot contained good amount of the anti-cancer nutrient called Beta-Carotene.

He said “an anti-carcinogen is any chemical which reduces the occurrence of cancers, reduces the severity of cancers that do occur.

“Beta-carotene can ward off cancers of the stomach, cervix, uterus, the oral cavity and also helps to prevent heart disease due to its antioxidant abilities.

“Beta-carotene has been linked to reduced risk of several cancers, notably lung and colon cancers. Research has proven that getting the proper level of antioxidants into our bloodstream will reduce the risk of cancer.

“Researchers found out that eating carrots reduces the risk of colon cancer by as much as 24 per cent. Another study also shows that women who eat raw carrots are five to eight times less likely to develop breast cancer than women who do not eat carrots.’’

The nutritionist explained that daily consumption of the vegetable could also reduce the risk of stroke by 68 per cent, adding that people who ate more than five carrots a week were less likely to suffer a stroke than those who ate only one carrot a month.

Egwebe said regular consumption of carrots could reduce cholesterol level which was good at preventing heart-related problems.

She added that “carrot is also rich in vitamin A and it is good for good eyesight.