The glycemic index, which is abbreviated as GI, is the rate of absorption of carbohydrates from food by the body. Also, the GI value directly depends on how quickly the level of sugar in the blood rises after eating. There are 100 units in the index scale, here 0 is the minimum value, and 100 is the maximum. Products that have a high GI give off energy to the body very quickly. And those that have a low rate, on the contrary, are slow.
Carrots and GI
The glycemic index of carrots depends on the type of processing:
- Raw fruit - 35 units.
- Heat-treated vegetable - 70-80 units.
As you can see, the glycemic index of boiled and stewed carrots is quite high.
In addition, the value varies in different limits depending on the method and storage conditions, the level of maturity of the root crop and variety.
The glycemic index of stewed carrots, as well as fried, baked in the oven, is of high importance. The increase in the indicator occurs because dietary fiber is destroyed during the heat treatment.
In addition, the level of glycemic index of carrots is influenced by the way the vegetable was chopped. It also matters the temperature of the dish before serving.
But even if you consider that the GI of this product is high, you should not completely exclude it from the diet. After all, carrots are a very useful vegetable. It is best to eat the root vegetable raw, not to process it thermally if possible and be sure to pay attention to the state of the body as a whole.
Carrots and its beneficial properties
Considering what the glycemic index of carrots, it is necessary to study its beneficial properties.
Eating this root crop has a beneficial effect on the retina. Carrots are recommended to eat with blepharitis and conjunctivitis, frequent eye diseases, myopia. In addition, you need to eat raw carrots more often. Her glycemic index is low, and in addition, thanks to this vegetable, gum disease is eliminated. A kind of mechanical training during chewing is what helps. It will beneficially affect the state of soft tissues.
In addition, scientists have proven that carrots have an antibacterial effect. The essential oils of the root contain volatile, which destroy harmful microorganisms. However, it should be borne in mind that those who are overweight or have diabetes are not recommended to drink carrot juice. The glycemic index in this case will definitely increase, since the product will be pre-crushed. However, carrot juice perfectly restores strength after hard work and fills the body with vitamins and minerals.
Remember that if you consume it in large quantities, it can lead to poisoning. As a result, lethargy, drowsiness and nausea are observed. Vomiting and headache may also occur. Only a dietitian can set the recommended dose of the drink. If you like raw and cooked carrots, the glycemic index must be considered. However, observe the measure when using the product.
Healthy Vitamins and Minerals
The carrots contain useful vitamins of groups B, C and E. In addition, there is carotene in the root crop, which, after it enters the human body, turns into vitamin A. This is especially important for young women.
As for minerals, they are contained in the vegetable quite a lot. These are phosphorus and magnesium, zinc and chromium, iodine and cobalt, as well as fluorine and nickel. In addition, carrots contain very useful essential oils.
Fasting day on carrots
The glycemic index of boiled carrots is much higher than raw, and therefore only vegetables that are not thermally processed are suitable for a fasting day. This type of diet is the most stringent. It can be observed only 3 days. It is allowed to eat up to 500 g of vegetables per day and drink 1 liter of kefir. Everything is divided into 5 parts and is used throughout the day. It is also important to drink at least 2 liters of pure water per day.
Vegetable salad
To prepare a vegetable salad, you need to take two pieces of carrots and a little olive oil. You will also need lemon juice. To prepare the dish, you need to wash the root crop and peel it from the skin. Next, the carrot is rubbed on a coarse grater and seasoned with lemon juice, a little olive oil is added.
Carrot Dessert with Honey
If you are among the sweet tooth, then you will definitely like the recipe of the dish, which is prepared in just 10 minutes. This dessert is made with honey. Take one piece of carrots, some honey and lemon. Carrots are grated and seasoned with one teaspoon of honey. It is very important not to overdo it, because the products used are sweet. After that, a little lemon juice is added. Dessert is low in calories.
Korean carrots
Cook Korean carrots, especially since you can do it at home yourself. To do this, you need 400 g of root vegetables, which are rubbed on a grater. Next, take three cloves of garlic, previously chopped through a press. The finished mass is sprinkled with coriander and pepper. At the end, the onion is fried and added to the vegetables. Such a salad should be left in the refrigerator for several hours, so that it is infused. It is allowed to season the dish with a small amount of olive oil. However, it is often not recommended to eat Korean carrots for those people who have been diagnosed with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Cottage cheese casserole
With this casserole, you can easily diversify your menu. For cooking, you need to take 1 kg of carrots, 4 eggs and 200 g of cottage cheese. The dish is prepared like this:
- carrots are peeled and grated;
- beat the eggs, then add to the cottage cheese, mix the mass;
- then add carrots and mix everything;
- the resulting mass is laid out in a baking dish.
The dish is baked for 40 minutes at a temperature of 180 degrees. Its calorie content is low, so it can be consumed even by losing weight for dinner.
Multicooked carrot stew
The recipe for stewed carrots in a slow cooker is as follows:
- Cut the onions into large cubes, and pepper into strips.
- Carrots must be grated on a coarse grater.
- Garlic is cut into thin slices.
- Vegetables are laid out in a multicooker bowl.
- Next, add sour cream and a little chopped walnut.
- You also need to put bay leaf and pepper in the dish, as well as salt.
- The mass is filled with water, and then stewed for 20 minutes in the "Extinguishing" mode.
As you can see, carrots are a very healthy vegetable. It should be remembered that its GI is able to vary within different limits depending on certain conditions and methods of preparation. There are many recipes from carrots that diversify your menu, bring health and allow you to lose weight. Choose foods with a low glycemic index, this will help you avoid many problems.