You may have heard some rumors about carrot greens being inedible and poisonous, but that’s actually not true. For years I tossed away carrot greens for this particular reason and that’s a real shame.
It is true that carrot greens contain a few anti-nutrients – like nitrates and alkaloids – but they are only toxic when you eat them in excessive amounts (meaning a few bunches a day)…which rarely happens if you rotate your greens often (Click here to learn more about rotating greens).
Carrot greens have a strong, bitter flavor and can be used as a substitute for parsley or cilantro in smoothies, salads, soups or as a garnish.
Here are 10 reason why you should give carrot greens a try before tossing them into the bin.
1. High In Chlorophyll
Carrot greens are packed with chlorophyll, hence its deep, dark green color. Chlorophyll shares a lot of similarities to human blood. The biggest difference is its central atom which is iron for blood and magnesium for chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll works as a powerful antioxidant, has detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in normal blood clotting, wound healing, hormonal balance, deodorizing, and detoxification of the body and promotes digestive health.
2. High In Essential Vitamins And Minerals
Carrot greens contain even more nutrients than a carrot itself. The greens are loaded with potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin K, and C.
3. Antioxidant Powerhouse
Carrots greens are true antioxidant powerhouses. Next to chlorophyll and vitamin C, they provide other healing antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein, and anthocyanin.
4. Improves Digestion and Detoxification
Carrot greens powerful duo of chlorophyll and fiber help to keep your colon and blood clean. The chlorophyll helps to purify the colon and blood, the fibers improve nutrient absorption and toxin elimination.
5. Protect The Heart
Due to their high level of antioxidants, carrot greens help protect the cardiovascular system against damage from free radicals. They help with blood clotting and red blood cell renewal.
6. Soothes Headaches
Often migraines or headaches are caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Many people have found relief by juicing carrot greens, celery, and cucumber.
7. Kidney-Friendly
Carrot greens act as a diuretic. It stimulates urine flow and helps your kidneys to work more efficiently. They help prevent or dissolve kidney stones.
8. Antiseptic
Carrot greens are often used to clean wounds or it can be used as a mouthwash to combat bad breath, bleeding gums or mouth ulcers.
9. Anti-Cancer Properties
This is actually no surprise! Carrot greens are filled with chlorophyll and many other protecting antioxidants. These powerful healing phytonutrients fight or prevent tumor formation and growth.
10. Boost Libido
Carrot greens stimulate the pituitary gland to release higher levels of sex hormones. This also stimulates the uterus, which can cause contractions, and therefore carrot greens should not be eaten by pregnant woman.
Carrot greens are a great addition to your diet. Nobody has ever been poisoned after consumption. So why not try and add them to your smoothies, juices, or soups. Or use as a garnish as you would use parsley. If you do, make sure to use organic since conventional carrots are high in pesticides residues.
If you want to reset and heal your body from the inside out, click here to access a 10-day whole food fruit and veggie detox that won’t leave you hungry or short in nutrients,
Don’t forget to download my FREE green smoothie eBook to sneak some carrots greens into your diet or connect with me on Facebook or Google+
