Nutritionists say common vegetable munched just 3 times a week staves off heart attacks and some cancers

A new study has revealed that munching on baby carrots three times a week can offer "significant" health benefits. The research discovered that this veggie snack can boost skin carotenoids in young adults. These levels of phytonutrients were even further enhanced when the healthy nibble was paired with a multivitamin containing the carotenoid beta carotene. Carotenoids, responsible for the vibrant red, orange and yellow hues in many fruits and vegetables, can be measured in the skin to estimate fruit and vegetable intake as diet is the sole source of these pigments.

Higher skin carotenoid levels are linked with increased antioxidant protection and a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers. This marker also indicates improved skin health and immune function, according to American scientists.

Research leader Mary Harper Simmons stated: "Previous studies have demonstrated that skin carotenoid levels can be increased by consuming three times the recommended serving of fruits and vegetables every day for three weeks. Our findings suggest that a small, simple dietary modification - incorporating baby carrots as a snack - can significantly increase skin carotenoid accumulation."

The research team for this study assigned 60 young adults to groups. They received a four-week intervention of either slices of Granny Smith apple, half a cup of baby carrots, a vitamin supplement with beta carotene, or the baby carrots and supplement combo.

Before and after the month-long period, the team used non-invasive scientific equipment called a 'VeggieMeter' to identify and measure carotenoids in the skin of those participating. The results revealed significant increases in skin carotenoid scores: 10.8% for the group munching on baby carrots, and a whopping 21.6% boost for the group who had baby carrots coupled with the supplement.

No change was observed in skin carotenoid levels in the control group - the apple munchers, or those only taking the supplement.

Samford University, California, masters nutrition student Ms Simmons confirmed findings: "We found that the combination of baby carrots and a multivitamin supplement that contains beta carotene can have an interactive effect on skin carotenoid accumulation."

She advised: "To get a beneficial effect, people should choose a multivitamin that contains beta carotene, and remember to eat baby carrots at least three times a week."

The research team suggests that the accumulation of carotenoids might not be boosted by multivitamin supplementation alone, hinting at potential differences in absorption depending on whether they're sourced from food or supplements.

They are keen to delve deeper into the mechanisms behind these findings and examine the impact of other foods rich in carotenoids, like sweet potatoes or leafy green vegetables.

These findings were shared by Ms Simmons at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition held in Chicago.