WHY CARROT CAKES ARE POPULAR AND HEALTHY

Once thought of as a distant relative of the dreaded fruit cake, the carrot cake has become one of the most favorite desserts throughout all of the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. Unlike its ugly cousin, carrot cakes are made from fresh, not dried ingredients and will never be passed from one household to another every year at Christmastime. Carrot cakes are so delicious and wildly popular that they rarely make it through two days in most households.

What’s So Healthy About Carrot Cakes?

The mere fact that the carrot is the main ingredient in this dessert makes the carrot cake one of the healthiest dessert options available. When vitamin rich raisins, apples, walnuts and pineapples are added to the batter, the health benefits of the carrot cake are increased tremendously. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is reportedly an excellent way to improve night vision. The carrot has also been credited with enhancing the quality of breast milk, improving the appearance of the skin, hair and nails and lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

Walnuts are rich in antioxidants which are reputed to help reduce cholesterol. Some experts claim that the health benefits of raisins include relief from constipation, acidosis, anemia, fever, and sexual weakness, and that they are also reputed to help in weight gain, eye care, dental care, and bone health.

Pineapples are known to be rich in manganese, a trace mineral needed to build bone and connective tissues that effect the growth of bones in young people and the strengthening of bones in older people. They are also rich in vitamin C, which some claim to be helpful in the prevention and treatment of the common cold.

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” The apple has long been touted as a medical panacea. According to a study at Cornell University, apples may keep certain forms of cancer away, as well as other debilitating conditions and diseases, even Alzheimer’s Disease. With all these health benefits, there is little wonder that cake lovers use this information as justification to eat more and more carrot cake.

What Made People Put Carrots in Cake To Begin With?

Carrot cake was first introduced during the medieval era when sugar was scarce or completely unavailable. The sweet carrot made an excellent substitute in puddings, cakes and sweetbreads. Carrot cake enjoyed a resurgence during World War II when sugar was rationed, and not readily available. By the 1970s, carrot cake with cream cheese icing was ranked number five on the list of most popular desserts in the United States.

In Conclusion

When the health benefits are added to the vast popularity, is there any wonder why carrot cake is a favorite in an ever growing number of homes, restaurants and cafeterias throughout the UK and North America? Carrot cake is delicious. It is good for you and it is easy to find in bakeries, grocery stores, restaurants and cafeterias whenever and wherever you want it.