1 Cup, NFS Low Sodium Carrots (Fat Added in Cooking, Canned) contains 54 calories. Carrots are a popular vegetable, loved for their sweet flavor, crunchy texture, and bright orange color. They're also packed with nutrients that are essential for good health.

In just one cup of cooked carrots, you'll get 3 grams of fiber, which is important for maintaining digestive health, 400% of your daily vitamin A needs, which is important for healthy eyesight, and a good dose of vitamin K, potassium, and other minerals.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional value, health benefits, cooking tips, storage suggestions, and more to help you make the most of this versatile and nutritious vegetable.

Nutritional Value

Carrots are a nutrient-dense vegetable, meaning they are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. One cup of cooked, canned carrots provides the following nutrients: - 54 calories - 12 grams of carbohydrate - 3 grams of fiber - 4 grams of sugar - 1 gram of protein - 400% of your daily vitamin A needs - 6% of your daily vitamin K needs - 5% of your daily potassium needs These nutrients make carrots an excellent choice for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Health Benefits

Carrots are loaded with nutrients that provide numerous health benefits. Here are just a few of the ways that eating carrots can boost your health: - Supports healthy eyesight - Boosts immune function - Promotes healthy digestion - Lowers blood pressure - Reduces inflammation - Protects against certain types of cancer These health benefits make carrots a great addition to any diet and a tasty way to stay healthy.

Cooking Tips

Carrots are an incredibly versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are a few cooking tips to help you make the most of this tasty and nutritious vegetable: - Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of carrots - Steaming preserves most of the nutrients in carrots - Boiling is a quick and easy way to cook carrots for use in soups, stews, and other dishes - Grating carrots is a great way to add a pop of color and nutrition to salads and other raw dishes Whether you're cooking carrots as a side dish or incorporating them into your favorite recipes, these tips will help you get the most out of this versatile vegetable.

Storage Suggestions

To ensure the best taste and nutrition, it's important to store carrots properly. Here are a few storage suggestions to help you keep your carrots fresh and delicious: - Store whole, unwashed carrots in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or airtight container - Wrap cut carrots in damp paper towels and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week - Freeze cooked carrots for later use in soups, stews, and other dishes By following these storage suggestions, you can ensure that your carrots stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

Low Sodium Diet

For those on a low-sodium diet, canned carrots can be a great option to add flavor and nutrition without the added salt. Here are a few things to keep in mind when using canned carrots: - Look for low-sodium canned carrots to minimize your sodium intake - Rinse canned carrots under running water to remove any excess sodium - Add spices and herbs to canned carrots to enhance their flavor without adding salt By using canned carrots in moderation and following these tips, you can enjoy the flavor and nutritional benefits of carrots while still sticking to a low-sodium diet.

Calories

One cup of cooked, canned carrots contains 54 calories. While this may not seem like a lot, it's important to keep in mind that calories can add up quickly when cooking with high-calorie ingredients or eating large portion sizes. To keep your calorie intake in check when using canned carrots, try incorporating them into dishes with other low-calorie ingredients, such as lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and whole grains. This will help you maximize the nutrition of your meals without overdoing it on the calories.

Vitamins and Minerals

Carrots are packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. Here are a few of the key nutrients found in cooked, canned carrots: - Vitamin A: 400% of your daily needs - Vitamin K: 6% of your daily needs - Potassium: 5% of your daily needs - Fiber: 3 grams per cup These nutrients make carrots an excellent choice for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases.

Healthy Recipes

Carrots can be used in a variety of healthy and delicious recipes. Here are a few recipes to try: - Carrot, Ginger, and Apple Soup - Carrot and Chickpea Salad - Roasted Carrots with Garlic and Herbs - Carrot and Cabbage Slaw These recipes are a tasty and nutritious way to incorporate more carrots into your diet.

Suitable Meal Plans

Carrots can be incorporated into a variety of meal plans, from plant-based to low-carb to paleo. Here are a few meal plans that include carrots: - Mediterranean diet - Whole30 meal plan - Vegetarian meal plan - Low-carb meal plan By incorporating carrots into your meal plan, you can reap the nutritional benefits and delicious taste of this versatile vegetable.

Availability

Carrots are a widely available vegetable that can be found in most grocery stores, farmers markets, and even online. Whether you prefer fresh, canned, or frozen, there are plenty of options for incorporating carrots into your diet. If you're looking for fresh carrots, look for ones that are firm, smooth, and free of cracks or blemishes. If you're using canned or frozen carrots, check the label to make sure they don't contain any added salt or other unhealthy ingredients. By making sure you have a steady supply of carrots on hand, you can easily incorporate this tasty and nutritious vegetable into your diet.