A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition investigated how eating raw carrots affects blood lipids and colon function. In the study, adults consumed 200 g of raw carrots (about two medium–large carrots) every day at breakfast for three weeks. Researchers found that this dietary change reduced total serum cholesterol by about 11%. The results suggest that regularly eating raw carrots may help support heart health by lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.
The study also showed improvements in digestive function. Eating raw carrots increased fecal bile acid and fat excretion by about 50% and increased stool weight by around 25%. These changes suggest that carrots may help the body remove more bile acids and fats through stool, which can contribute to lower cholesterol levels. The researchers also noted that these effects persisted for about three weeks even after participants stopped eating the carrots, indicating a lasting impact on metabolism or gut bacteria.
PMID: 474479