Horses & Carrots

Horses & carrots

Horses have always loved carrots. Carrots need no description either as they have been around for thousands of years. They have been a part of every diet in every culture of the world. Known as the king of vegetables carrots bring to the table a multitude of nutrients. Carrots are a food that, as we all know, contains beta carotene. Beta carotene is classified as a caratenoid and foods high in carotenoids are thought to be beneficial for blood sugar regulation. They may be inversely associated with insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels.

What is beta carotene?

As stated earlier, beta carotene is classified as a carotenoid. These chemicals give foods their bright orange, red or yellow coloring. B-carotene is an antioxidant which protects against cell damage by soaking up free radicals. It is also a precursor to vitamin A. Our bodies and the bodies of horses make vit. A out of B-carotene. So what’s a free radical? Free radicals are unstable chemicals left over from reactions in the body. They are influenced by environmental factors such as pollution or too much sun exposure. These chemicals can cause major cell damage if not neutralized by antioxidants such as beta carotene.

So why feed carrots?

Carrots provide a low-calorie alternative to fattening, preservative filled commercial horse carrot treats. Carrots contain distilled oils to help fight worms and will give your horse a richer, darker coat pigment. These orange vegetables will eliminate any abnormal bowel movements. Your horse will never be constipated and diarrhea will be a thing of the past. Carrots are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. They will also support the immune system and improve overall health. Carrots also support liver and thyroid health by acting as a powerful cleanse. Giving carrots to a horse regularly is proven to improve eyesight as this vegetable nourishes the optic nerves. They are excellent sources of antioxidants that provide protection against cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Horse vegetables can be given as treats or included in their meal.