The Easter Bunny will soon be here munching on his delicious and nutritious carrots!  Carrots are one of the most common and favorite vegetables in the world.  They are a root vegetable that has been cultivated for hundreds of years.  Carrots come in a variety of colors, and are now grown all over, although their native roots are in Asia.  The best part is these root veggies are jam-packed with  many nutrients!

The health benefits of carrots are plentiful:

• Rich source of the powerful antioxidant, beta-carotene, which helps maintain healthy skin and more
• Good source of potassium, which can help maintain healthy sodium levels in the body, helping to reduce elevated blood pressure
• Contain many beneficial phytochemicals, including falcarinol, which may reduce the risk of colon cancer and help promote overall colon health
• Rich in carotenoids to help regulate blood sugar levels
• High in soluble fiber, which reduces cholesterol and prevent heart disease
• Carrots are also rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B8, pantothenic acid, folate, iron, copper, and manganese

Carrot Apple Ginger Smoothie

(Serves 1)

Ingredients

2 carrots (scrubbed and cut into chunkd)

1 apple (cored and sliced into quarters)

1 handful fresh spinach leaves

1 lemon (juiced)

1 inch ginger (peeled)

2 Tbs hemp seeds

½ tso ground cinnamon

1 cup water

Instructions

• Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender with one cup water
• Blend on high speed until smooth.
• Add more water to thin smoothie if desired.

Serve immediately.

Photo source:

www.littledairyprairie.com