Benefits of Raw Carrot Salad (+recipe)
Dr. Ray Peat, a biologist who specializes in hormonal and metabolic health, discovered through his studies that raw carrots are an excellent way to support a good gut and happy hormones. We need to balance our gut, to balance our hormones. If we have a gut imbalance it can lead to estrogen dominance which you might recognize as symptoms like breast tenderness, bloating, water retention, painful period cramps and heavy bleeding, hormonal acne etc. Raw carrots contain an indigestible fiber that helps the body naturally detoxify more efficiently. The fibre binds to toxins, particularly excess estrogen and cortisol (stress hormone), in your intestines to eliminate them. While cleaning out these excess hormones they do not feed the unhealthy bacteria in your gut.
“Things that protect the bowel, such as raw carrots, have far-reaching effects on hormones and immunity.” - Dr. Ray Peat, PhD
This is not to say that fiber from other veggies isn’t beneficial as well. It is worth it to note however, green leafy veggies, starchy grains and cruciferous vegetables, although they have benefits, may be hard on your gut because of their fiber type. If your digestion is compromised (most likely why you are here), these foods can sit in the gut and putrefy which has the potential to lead to issues like bacterial overgrowth and leaky gut. If you decide to continue eating these veggies as you are working on improving your digestion, make sure they are WELL cooked and you are chewing thoroughly.
It is critical to address why your digestion isn’t working properly and work on improving your digestion so you can tolerate a wider variety of veggies! Our guts love diversity :)
This raw carrot salad below is an excellent choice to ensure you get good fibre, to support your digestion and a develop a good gut! We love getting our carrots from SPUD, an online grocer delivering all things local, sustainable + organic to those in BC + Alberta. An added bonus—they have the lowest food waste out of any grocer in Canada! Feel free to use my code ERIN15 to get $15 off orders over $50 for new + returning customers.
RAW CARROT SALAD
INGREDIENTS
1 medium carrot
1 teaspoon olive oil (or melted coconut oil)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Salt to taste
*optional: 1 tsp of honey and/or raisins
DIRECTIONS
Using vegetable peeler, peel (length wise) one medium carrot into strips to create ribbons as your salad. Rinse peelings under water. Add melted coconut oil or olive oil, vinegar, and a dash of sea salt. Mix + enjoy!
NOTES
for some extra greens, add arugula to your salad.
you can use coconut oil instead of olive oil *personally, I can’t stand the taste of it in this salad*
if you notice you cannot tolerate carrots, try button mushrooms or bamboo shoots. Make sure they are well cooked before preparing.
cooked or juiced carrots do not have the same effect
if carrots are organic, you can keep the skin on!
BENEFITS OF EACH INGREDIENT
Olive oil + Coconut oil
Supports improved digestion as it helps the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins and are both antimicrobials.
Vinegar
Has a disinfecting effect on the bowels. Even just a few drops can make a difference in reducing fermentation.
Salt
An essential mineral that is vital to support stress hormones and your metabolism. It’s also helpful for maintaining stomach acid levels.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
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