Knowing the percentage of water in fruits and vegetables is much more important than idle curiosity. According to medical research, we absorb 20% of the mandatory daily intake of fluids from fruits and vegetables. And this is not just water, but a structured liquid saturated with useful biologically active substances. And this is a good reason to study the chemical composition of fruits and vegetables.
The chemical composition of carrots
Carrots are one of the main root crops in the human diet, rich in biologically active compounds such as carotenoids and fiber. It has many useful properties for the body: it reduces the risk of developing cancer, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, improves eye health and helps reduce weight. The root crop is able to support a wide range of body systems.
Important! Raw carrots contain about 3% beta-carotene, but if the root crop is heated, its content will increase to 40%. If you need to correct your vision, then the root crop must be processed thermally.
The nutritional value of the root crop includes:
- 41 kcal (the product is considered low-calorie);
- 88% water;
- 0.9 g of protein;
- 9.6 g of carbohydrates;
- 4.7 g of sugars;
- 2.8 g of fiber;
- 0.2 g of fat.
When you consume fewer calories in order to lose weight, it reduces the amount of nutrients consumed. The benefit of vegetables is that the number of calories is reduced, but the amount of useful biologically active substances in the diet is preserved. Thus, you lose weight without compromising health.
Did you know? The first carrot known to people was white. And orange was received relatively recently by Dutch breeders and was dedicated to the ruling royal dynasty.
Carrot is a rich source of vitamins and minerals and contains (per 100 g of product):
- calcium - 34 mg;
- iron - 0.4 mg;
- phosphorus - 25 mg;
- sodium - 40 mg;
- potassium - 240 mg;
- magnesium - 9 mg;
- copper - 0.02 mg;
- zinc - 0.2 mg;
- carotenes - 5.33 mg;
- thiamine - 0.04 mg;
- riboflavin - 0.02 mg;
- niacin - 0.2 mg;
- Vitamin C - 4 mg.
How much percent does carrot consist of water
Almost all vegetables contain about 90% water. So, in cucumbers it is 96%, and this is the maximum possible amount. But carrots are much more modest - in it only 88% fluid. But this is not surprising, given its density.
Important! Some vitamins found in carrots, such as vitamin A — fat soluble. They are absorbed only if consumed with fats. It can be, for example, a carrot salad with vegetable oil or sour cream.
The importance of water for any organism is difficult to overestimate. The human body is 65% fluid. Water is involved in the regulation of body temperature, is a carrier for nutrients, is involved in blood formation, protects the brain and softens joints..
A decrease in the volume of water in the body by 2% reduces muscle mass and endurance. Under normal conditions, women need 2.7 liters of fluid per day, and men - 3.7 liters. At the same time, part of the required liquid can be introduced in the form of vegetables and fruits, including carrots.
How can you independently find out how much water is in carrots
Of course, you can always find out yourself how much fluid was in the fresh root crop, because it has weight and volume. When the product is dehydrated (drying) to dry matter, the net weight of the dry product will be obtained. If you first measure the weight of fresh carrots, and then its weight, but in a dry state, then the difference between these values will give us an idea of how much water is contained in fresh root crops.
Did you know? The heaviest carrots were presented at an exhibition in Minnesota (USA) in 2017. She weighed 10.17 kg and was raised by a farmer named Christopher Qually.
Learn more about the liquid and nutrient content of vegetables and replenish your water and vitamin balance. This will help you feel healthier and more resilient.
