Carrots are an amazing source of nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants. Researchers and medical professionals agree that a few carrots can provide you with a day’s worth of nutrients. But how much carrot juice per day can someone safely consume?
How Much Carrot Juice Per Day Is Too Much?
You’ve likely heard that too much carrot juice can change the color of your skin and cause other health issues. But how much carrot juice per day is too much?
According to WebMD, you should consume no more than 4 ounces of carrot juice per day. That is ½ of a cup of carrot juice. It is more than enough to reap the benefits of this superfood.
Consuming more than 4 ounces of carrot juice in a day may lead to overconsumption of Vitamin A and beta-carotene.
So to answer the question, “how much carrot juice is safe?” Just 4 ounces.
Too Much Carrot Juice Can Cause Problems For Your Liver
Vitamin A is crucial to cellular function and regulates the production of white blood cells. Your liver stores Vitamin A until it is needed by your body.
Too much Vitamin A in your liver causes several unpleasant issues. Overconsumption of Vitamin A can lead to headache, blurred vision, bone pain, and seizures. 4 ounces of carrot juice per day will provide the optimal daily amount of Vitamin A.
On the flip-side, patients who have deficient levels of Vitamin A suffer from vision issues, infertility, skin inflammation, and chronic infections.
Too Much Beta-carotene is Too Much Of A Good Thing
Beta-carotene is another beneficial compound found in carrots. Healthy doses of beta-carotene have been found to prevent eye disease, mental decline, and may even reduce the risk of certain cancers. Beta-carotene is an orange or yellow color, giving carrots their signature glow.
Too Much Carrot Juice Can Turn Your Skin Orange
Consuming too much beta-carotene can lead to a condition called carotenemia. It is caused by eating too much of any food high in beta-carotene, not just carrots.
Carotenemia commonly refers to the yellowing of the skin. It is most noticeable in the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
Carotenemia is temporary and not particularly dangerous. If you don’t want to turn your skin orange, just keep your carrot juice intake to no more than ½ of a cup per day.
If you do exhibit signs of Carotenemia, you’ll need to adjust your diet. If you have any concerns, please consult your physician.
Other Foods That May Cause Carotenemia
- Apricots
- Cantaloupe
- Carrots
- Mangoes
- Oranges
- Pumpkin
- Squash
- Sweet potatoes
- Yams
According to Dr. Piliang with the Cleveland Clinic, Carotenemia is very rare and the Cleveland Clinic only encounters about 2 cases per year.
The Benefits of Carrot Juice
Carrots are a low-calorie food packed with vitamins and minerals. Carrots are full of antioxidants, which help to fight dangerous free radicals. Vitamins A, B, and D are all found in high concentrations in carrots as well.
Studies have shown that carrots can fight the development of macular degeneration; a disease that robs patients of their sight. Carrots also aid in lowering LDL cholesterol, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and can even help with regulating blood sugar. Digestive relief is also a benefit of consuming foods high in fiber, like carrots.
Is It Safe to Drink Carrot Juice Daily?
It is safe to drink carrot juice every day if servings are limited to 4 ounces. Carrots are a nutritious source of vitamins and minerals and can be eaten daily. Limiting servings to ½ of a cup per day will ensure that you receive all the benefits from a superfood, while avoiding the dangers of overconsumption.
Tip For Incorporating The Right Amount of Carrot Juice Into Your Diet
Instead of juicing carrots and drinking the pure carrot juice, try mixing your fresh carrot juice with the juice of other fruits and vegetables. For example, my picky son loves carrot juice mixed with orange juice but he cannot stand to eat carrots.
Also, my husband finds orange, carrot, and ginger juice to be both refreshing and delicious!
