Carrot Smoothie Recipes and Nutrition
Carrots add a great nutritional element and can be used in many smoothie recipes. Their delicate flavor is easily masked by or even complements many fruits.
Carrot Nutrition and Health Benefits
Carrots are famously rich in beta carotene, which the body processes into vitamin A. We’ve all grown up with the knowledge that carrots are good for your eyesight. Carrots also pack a well-rounded nutritional punch including vitamins C, B3, B6, E and K as well as minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, molybdenum and potassium. They are also a great source of dietary fiber.
Nutrients in carrots have been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and may help regulate blood sugar levels. Carrots are famous for protecting vision, especially night vision. Beta carotene, of which carrots are one of the riches sources, is linked to a reduced risk of post-menopausal breast cancer as well as cancers of the bladder, cervix, prostate, colon, lung, larynx and esophagus.
Smoothie Recipes
Carrots can be added to most smoothies and despite their hard, fibrous texture, blend up nicely in a high-powered blender. Here are a few of our favorite smoothie recipes that call for carrots:
Carrot-Apricot Smoothie
2 apricots
1 apple
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
2 whole carrots
1/2 cup water
Calories: 176 | Fat: 0.8g (grams) | Protein: 4.8g | Carbs: 43.7g | Calcium: 13% | Vitamin A: 453% | Vitamin C: 77%
Carrot-Mango Smoothie
1 mango
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
2 whole carrots
1/2 cup water
Calories: 205 | Fat: 1g (gram) | Protein: 4.5g | Carbs: 52g | Calcium: 14% | Vitamin A: 458% | Vitamin C: 150%
Carrot-Apple Smoothie
2 whole carrots
1 apple
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
½ cucumber
1/2 cup water
Calories: 164 | Fat: 0.7g (grams) | Protein: 4.8g | Carbs: 41.3g | Calcium: 15.5% | Vitamin A: 430% | Vitamin C: 72%
Browse even more carrot smoothie recipes!
How To Select Carrots
Carrots are readily available year round, inexpensive and keep well for several weeks in the refrigerator as long as they are protected from drying out.
Carrots rank 63 out of 100 for potential pesticide load according to the studies conducted by the Environmental Working Group, so you should purchase organic carrots whenever possible.
See Also: Spinach Smoothie.
Tags: carrot
