black carrot powder benefits for skin
Black carrots are a unique variety of the common carrot, known for their deep purple-to-black colour, which comes from a high concentration of anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant. It goes with a scientific name Daucus carota subsp. Sativus, that have been traditionally used in both culinary and medicinal practices. Recently, they have gained popularity owing to their rich nutritional profile and potential skin health benefits.
Understanding Black Carrot Plant
Black carrots are one of the colour cultivators of the carrot family and are indigenous to China, Middle East countries and India. Carrots are typically available in several colours including orange, red, purple, white, yellow and black. The colour variation is chiefly due to the concentrations of bioactive plant compounds in the varieties. The dark colour of purple and black indicates a high level of anthocyanins, whereas orange and yellow carrots are higher in beta-carotene and other active ingredients.
They grow as biennial plants with feathery green leaves and an edible root. Black carrots are typically more fibrous than their orange counterparts but can be sweet and crunchy, especially when harvested young. Black carrots grow in cooler climates and need full sun exposure. A well-drained, sandy soil with a neutral pH is favourable for cultivation.
What Are the Benefits of Black Carrot for Skin?
Black carrots are a great source of essential vitamins and minerals that are vital for our overall health. They are rich in vitamin A, which is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, supporting the immune system, and promoting skin health. Here are some of the key benefits:
1.It Protects Against Sun Damage
Black carrots are rich in compounds called carotenoids. Research indicates that a diet rich in carotenoids protects our skin against UV damage and sunlight.
2.It Is Rich In Vitamin A
Beta-carotene is the main carotenoid found in Black carrots. It provides the carrot with its red and orange hue, and our body converts it into Vitamin A which improves skin and eye health.
3.It Is Rich In Vitamin C
Some Black carrots benefits for skin are owed to its Vitamin C content. Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient which is found abundantly in carrot juice. It protects our skin from free radical damage and promotes collagen synthesis while reducing hyperpigmentation.
4.It Improves Cell Turnover
According to a study, dietary intake of Black carrots and carrot peels improves cell turnover which is a natural process performed by our body to replace dead skin with new and healthy skin cells.
5.It Brightens The Complexion
Research indicates that phenolic compounds called umbelliferous found in Black carrots benefits skin by reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation in the skin and promoting antioxidant activity while providing added UV protection.
Nutrition
Black carrots are bestowed with a dense profile of essential nutrients and a powerhouse of antioxidants like anthocyanins and beta carotenes. The nutritional content of a 100gram serving of black carrots
Calories: 35 kcal
Carbohydrates: 8.2g
Fiber: 2.9g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 334% of the RDI
Vitamin C: 6% of the RDI
Potassium: 7% of the RDI
*Source As Per The Food and Drug Administration USDA
Health Benefits
Rich in Antioxidants:Black carrots powder pack a storehouse of anthocyanins and beta-carotene antioxidants that protect the cells from oxidative stress, which can reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Adding this nutrient-dense root vegetable into your diet regimen is a flavourful way to optimise your defence against oxidative damage.
Supports Eye Health:
Black carrots contain a vast reserve of beta-carotene, converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is a key nutrient essential for maintaining vision and averting the risk of night blindness. Potent antioxidant qualities in black carrots support lower the risk of macular degeneration and slow down the development of cataracts, thereby improving eye health and good vision
Anti-inflammatory Effects:
Anthocyanins in black carrots have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help ease inflammation and manage conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
Improves Digestive Health:
The goodness of dietary fiber content in black carrots supports the digestion process, preventing constipation, regularising bowel movements and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
Heart Health:
The potassium in black carrots helps regulate blood pressure, while the antioxidants support overall heart health by preventing oxidative damage to blood vessels and diminishing cholesterol levels. Incorporating black carrots into heart-healthy recipes can be an effective way to promote cardiac health and function.
Regulates Blood Sugar:
Some studies suggest that anthocyanins may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for managing diabetes.
Uses
Culinary Uses:
Black carrots can be eaten raw, juiced, or cooked. They are often used in:
Their deep colour makes for a visually appealing addition to salads.
Black carrot juice is popular in certain regions and has a slightly earthy taste.
Black carrots are often used to make fermented foods like pickles.
When cooked, they add depth of flavour and colour to dishes.
Natural Food Colouring:
Due to their dark pigmentation, black carrots are sometimes used as a natural food colouring agent, especially in beverages, desserts, and jams.
Medicinal and Traditional Uses:
In traditional medicine, black carrots have been used for their anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
How To Use Benefits Of Black Carrot Powder For Skin Care?
Black Carrot Powder Mask For Skin Brightening
Take 1 teaspoon of wheat bran in a clean bowl.
1. Juice a medium-sized black carrot juice powder. Add enough carrot juice to the dry ingredients to make a spreadable paste.
2. Apply a thin layer of this paste to your face and neck. Leave it for 10 minutes.
3. Rinse off gently using lukewarm water and pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
Note – Patch test the prepared mask on your inner arm to test for sensitivity and redness, before applying it to your face.
Things To Remember While Using Black Carrot Powder For Skin Benefits
1. Moisturise your skin after masking to complete the regime and to strengthen your skin’s protective barrier.
2. Discontinue using ingredients or products that cause sensitivity, rash, itching or redness on your skin.
3. While using remedies containing ingredients that are brightening or clarifying in nature, prevent sun exposure as much as possible for gaining maximum benefits from these ingredients.
4. Be consistent with your chosen remedy and routine to see the benefits of carrots for the skin. Natural ingredients often work slowly, but steadily.
Conclusion:
Black carrots, with their vibrant purple-to-black color, offer a range of skin health benefits due to their rich nutritional profile and high concentration of antioxidants such as anthocyanins and beta-carotene. Their ability to protect against sun damage, improve collagen synthesis, and promote healthy cell turnover makes them a powerful ingredient for maintaining youthful, glowing skin.
Additionally, their high vitamin A and C content, along with anti-inflammatory properties, supports overall skin health by brightening the complexion, reducing hyperpigmentation, and improving skin texture. Incorporating black carrots, either through consumption or as a part of skincare routines, can be an effective natural remedy for enhancing skin vitality.
References:
USDA Food Database. (n.d.). Black Carrots Nutritional Profile. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Chen, Z., & Zhang, D. (2021). "The Health Benefits of Anthocyanins: The Role of Black Carrots in Skin Health." Journal of Nutrition and Skin Care, 15(3), 45-52.
Sharma, S., & Patel, K. (2020). "Potential Benefits of Black Carrots in Traditional Medicine." Asian Journal of Traditional Medicinal Plants, 10(2), 89-98.
Lee, J., & Kim, Y. (2022). "Antioxidant Properties of Black Carrots and Their Role in Skin Health." Food Science and Biotechnology, 31(4), 523-530.
