The Health Benefits Of Carrot Juice & Creative Ways To Drink It

Carrot juice is made by extracting juice from fresh carrots. Typically, it's prepared through cold-pressing, where the juice is extracted without applying heat1. This is thought to preserve the natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals found in carrots.

"Carrot juice is a good source of some of the well-known vitamins (like C, K, and B6) and a nice blend of minerals," says Billy Hammond, Ph.D., an eye health expert and professor in brain and behavioral sciences at the University of Georgia. “But carrot juice's real claim to fame is the carotenoid content. Carotenoids are the antioxidant pigments in many colored fruits and vegetables. Carrot juice is also an excellent source of beta-carotene.”

Carrot juice is high in beta-carotene3, which converts into vitamin A in the body to support the production of collagen—a protein essential for maintaining skin elasticity. "One of the more well-known benefits of beta-carotene is promoting skin health and retarding age-related change,” states Hammond.

Since it's a rich source of vitamin A, carrot juice can benefit hormone health by supporting the proper development and functioning of various reproductive hormones5. Carrots also contain folate, a critical nutrient for pregnant women that supports fetal development and helps prevent birth defects6.

Beta-carotene also plays a pivotal role in maintaining optimal eye health. Researchers have found beta-carotene can reduce the risk of macular degeneration9. The rich vitamin A content in carrot juice may also help protect the eye's surface and play a crucial role in night vision10.

The presence of vitamin A and antioxidants in carrot juice may help protect the lungs against oxidative stress and damage. A study involving 21,148 participants found that those with the highest intake of vitamin A, beta-carotene, and vitamin C had better lung health11 than those consuming fewer of these powerful nutrients.

Finally, carrot juice is super nutrient-dense. Carrots are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants13, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber—making carrot juice an even more concentrated source of these nutrients. Animal studies have shown that eating more carrots reduces the risk of several health conditions14, including heart disease.

As for what types of carrots to use in your blend, you can opt for the standard orange or seek out purple carrots, which contain anthocyanins. These potent antioxidants give purple carrots their rich hue16 and offer an array of health benefits. Anthocyanins are also associated with anti-inflammatory properties17 and may help support heart health. Fermented carrot juice may also help support gut health by strengthening your intestinal lining18 (particularly following antibiotic use).

Looking to make your own carrot juice at home? It's pretty simple to get started: Just invest in a high-quality juicer, blender, or food processor, and use the freshest possible ingredients. While carrots actually tend to be pretty low in pesticide residue (they're on the EWG's Clean 15 list), look for organic carrots when you can and wash your carrots thoroughly before juicing.

Peeling your carrots may not be necessary if they’re clean or organic, said Amy Sapola, PharmD, a clinical pharmacist and nutrition expert, on an episode of the mindbodygreen podcast. The outer layer of carrots often contains valuable nutrients, including fiber and antioxidants, so feel free to leave them on.

If you have allergies to carrots or similar vegetables, stay clear of carrot juice. "Carrot allergies are rare. But, like all food allergies, can be serious," says Hammond.

Drinking too much carrot juice in one day can also cause a negative reaction. If you drink too much carrot juice, you run the risk of vitamin A toxicity since carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. While beta-carotene is generally safe, consuming extremely high amounts can lead to a condition called carotenemia19, where your skin takes on a yellow or orange hue.