Carrots and radishes are popular vegetables among the public and offer many health benefits. However, experts from the pollution-free vegetable monitoring center are reminding citizens: the two should not be eaten together.
Cooking methods that mix carrots and radishes in cold dishes or stew them together can reduce the nutritional value of one of the vegetables. Furthermore, this method of cooking can trigger an "internal war." This is because radishes are very high in vitamin C, while carrots contain an enzyme that breaks down vitamin C, which can destroy the vitamin C in the radishes. When the two are combined, the vitamin C in the radish is significantly depleted, and its nutritional value is consequently greatly diminished.
In addition, to better发挥 its therapeutic effects of aiding digestion and preventing cancer, radishes are best eaten raw. Carrots, on the other hand, are the complete opposite. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the human body can convert into vitamin A. Vitamin A and beta-carotene have the ability to promote the generation of light-sensitive pigments in the eyes, prevent night blindness, enhance color discrimination, and alleviate eye fatigue and dryness. However, when carrots are eaten raw, more than 70% of the beta-carotene is not absorbed.
Experts recommend the two most scientific methods for eating carrots: First, cut the carrots into pieces, season them, and stew them with meat. It is best to use a pressure cooker, as this reduces the carrots' contact with air, allowing for a preservation rate of beta-carotene as high as 97%. Second, slice the carrots, stir-fry them thoroughly with a sufficient amount of cooking oil, and then eat them. This method can achieve an absorption and utilization rate of beta-carotene of up to 90%.
Experts also offer a special reminder: although radishes are good for aiding digestion, their nature is cooling. Therefore, people with a weak spleen and stomach, chronic gastritis, or stomach ulcers should not consume them in large quantities. For women, the intake of carrots should be moderate; otherwise, it may lead to menstrual irregularities and infertility. This is because long-term excessive intake of beta-carotene can affect the synthesis of progesterone in the ovaries, and in some cases, can even cause amenorrhea.