Carrot (Karot in Filipino) is an outstanding trait
of this flowering plant, which belongs to the family of Apiaceae,
is that it is self-fertile. By nature, carrot's flowers have both
male and female organs, and are usually pollinated primarily by
beetles and flies. In order to facilitate the cultivation of this
plant, it is necessary to place it in an area where it can receive
light. It has a strong rate of survival, because it can withstand
strong winds. However, the carrot plant cannot bear to be exposed to
salty water and soil. It is a biennial plant, which means that it
usually takes two years for it to complete its life cycle. However,
it is not uncommon for plants of this nature to complete its
biological life cycle in a few months time, especially when
subjected to extreme climate conditions.
Carrot is classified as a root vegetable, which grows as tall as one
(1) meter. The wild carrot, from which the modern carrot’s
cultivation is based, has flowers that are rounded, which are bright
white in color when it is in full bloom. Such flowers have the width
of 3 to 7 centimeters, and the vegetable itself is known to have
various colors, such as orange, red, purple, yellow or white.
Carrots are extremely popular because of its numerous uses, and
because of the many vitamins and minerals that it contains. For
instance, its roots are edible, whether cooked or raw, and are used
as an ingredient to soups and salad bowls. It has been found that
carrot root juice is very rich in carotene, which in turn is
converted to vitamin A by our liver, and is one of the vitamins that
the body needs. Regular intake of carrot roots, in any manner,
though recommended to be taken in juice form, improves eyesight.
Particular substances that are contained in the roots have been
discovered to be anti-cancer. That is the primary reason why carrot
juice has become a popular drink, as it is associated with a wealth
of health benefits. The roots of the carrot plant, when roasted, are
also being used as a substitute for coffee. Extractions from the
roots, known as carotene, are also being used commercially as a food
dye. The leaves of this plant, which have high vitamin E content,
are also being used as flavorings for soup. From the derived uses of
this plant, it is evident that its roots, seeds, and leaves have
particular functions which are known to be utilized by many.
Carrots have been known to have medicinal properties that allow it
to be used as an astringent and antiseptic substance. Carrot has
been used as a cleansing medicine, because of its activities which
basically helps the kidney in the removal of waste in the body. It
also aids in the stimulation of one’s menstruation because of the
same properties. For children, raw carrot roots are a safe and
recommended treatment for threadworms. In the same manner, regular
intake of cultivated carrot roots allows the stimulation of urine
flow. It manifests activities that help the skin, by virtue of its
anti-oxidant contents.
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