Hey there, healthy foodies! I’m excited to share a delicious and nutritious twist on the TikTok trend—the Hormone Balancing Raw Carrot Salad!
While the original viral recipe may have made waves for its hormone-balancing claims, I’ve taken it a step further by adding ingredients that not only boost the flavor and texture but also pack a punch when it comes to supporting your hormonal health. So, let’s dive in and whip up a salad that’s as tasty as it is beneficial for your body!
While the hormone balancing raw carrot salad trend may have gained traction on TikTok, it’s important to note that the claims surrounding its benefits are not supported by scientific studies. Dr. Ray Peat, the biologist who developed the salad, suggests that raw carrots contain a fiber that can bind to endotoxins and excess estrogen, aiding in their elimination from the body and promoting hormonal balance. However, these claims lack concrete scientific evidence.
Despite the lack of scientific backing for these specific claims, we believe raw carrots are nutritious and can be a healthy addition to your diet. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can support overall health and digestion. When combined with other ingredients added in this recipe that are known to be beneficial for hormone health, such as turmeric, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds, the salad becomes even more nutritious and may contribute to a balanced diet for just about anyone, not just women suffering from hormone imbalances.
The Original Raw Carrot Salad Recipe contains only a few simple ingredients.
- Raw Carrots
- Coconut Oil
- Apple Cider Vinegar and Sea Salt
But I figured, if you are going to be making a salad why stop just at those ingredients, why not add a whole bunch of other super healthy immune-boosting, gut-cleansing ingredients that compliment the original raw carrot recipe? After all, you are already in the kitchen, so make the most of your time and create a masterpiece.
Of course you can omit any ingredients if you don’t have them, but the more of these nutrient-rich ingredients you add the more vitamin and mineral boost you will get out of this salad. So go ahead and add some extra vitamin boost to this already delicious raw carrot salad.
I present to you the Zhooshed-Up Hormone Balancing Raw Carrot Salad.
Ingredients:
- 2 large raw carrots
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil (yes, that is a teaspoon, not a tablespoon, let’s not get too excited because 1 tablespoon of oil contains 120 calories)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
- Sea Salt and pepper, to taste
And hey, you know your girl is all about that protein, so if you want to throw in some shredded chicken breast on top don’t let me stop you.
Instructions:
- Peel carrots to remove the outer layer, then using the vegetable peeler slice thin strips of carrot if you don’t have a rotary or electric shredder.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, oils, lemon juice, honey, ground turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the grated carrots, spinach leaves, chopped parsley, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- It’s best to eat it right away if you are adding spinach, as spinach can get a little soggy after a while.
Are Raw Carrots Good for Your Hormones?
Carrots are like nature’s crunchy little superheroes! Packed with dietary fiber, they keep your gut healthy and happy by helping things move along smoothly in our digestive tract. Plus, they’re loaded with beta carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. This vitamin is key for keeping your hormones in check, especially the ones your thyroid gland makes. A healthy digestive system contributes to hormone health.
Benefits of Spinach for Health.
You already know spinach is amazing for your health right? Rich in antioxidants and full of fiber, spinach is packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and a bunch of B vitamins including Folate, Riboflavin and Thiamine. It keeps your digestive system running smoothly. But that’s not all! Spinach is also rich in iron, which is super important for keeping your hormones balanced, especially if you’re a woman dealing with monthly cycles or pregnancy.
What about Parsley?
Parsley is more than just a garnish—it’s a nutritional powerhouse! This vibrant herb is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, providing a boost to your immune system, skin health, and bone strength. It also contains folate, which is important for cell division and DNA synthesis. Additionally, parsley is rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which help protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation in the body. So be generous with that amazing herb if you don’t mind the flavor.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Health and Gut.
Apple cider vinegar is like a little bottle of magic for your gut! It’s got acetic acid, which helps keep bad bacteria in check and lets the good bacteria thrive. A happy gut means your body can process and eliminate hormones more effectively, keeping your balance in check. But be mindful any vinegar is acidic which means you have to pay attention if it starts irritating your gut, you could feel a bit of discomfort if you have it too frequently or on an empty stomach.
Coconut Oil Benefits.
Coconut oil has gained popularity for its numerous health benefits. It is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are fats that are easily absorbed by the body and can be quickly converted into energy. These MCTs are known to boost metabolism and promote weight loss. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a type of fatty acid that has antimicrobial properties, helping to fight off harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Also, coconut oil may improve cholesterol levels by increasing the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol in the blood. It’s also been linked to improved brain function. Overall, coconut oil is a versatile and beneficial addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Olive Oil for a Happy Gut and Balanced Hormones.
Olive oil is the Mediterranean’s secret to a happy, healthy life! Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, it’s great for your gut and your hormones. These healthy fats are essential for hormone production and keeping everything in balance. In this recipe you can use olive oil or coconut oil or even a bit of both.
The power of anti-inflammatory Turmeric.
Turmeric is a vibrant spice that not only adds a beautiful color to dishes but also provides powerful health benefits. Its active compound, curcumin, is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and create a healthy gut microbiome.
This anti-inflammatory effect is beneficial for gut health, as it can help alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Additionally, turmeric supports hormone balance by aiding in the detoxification of hormones in the liver, helping to maintain optimal hormone levels in the body.
Pumpkin Seeds.
Pumpkin seeds are small but mighty when it comes to their health benefits. They are rich in zinc, which plays a crucial role in hormone production and balance. Zinc is particularly important for the production of testosterone in men and the regulation of menstrual cycles in women.
In addition to supporting hormone balance, pumpkin seeds are also high in fiber, which is beneficial for gut health. Fiber helps to promote regular bowel movements and feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut, supporting overall digestive health.
Why should we pay particular attention to our hormones in peri-menopause?
Estrogen dominance is a common hormonal imbalance that can occur during perimenopause, the transition period before menopause. This usually starts happening from 40 onwards. While women still have menstrual cycle, hormones can fluctuate creating unpleasant symptoms.
During perimenopause, levels of estrogen fluctuate, leading to an imbalance where estrogen levels are higher relative to progesterone levels. This imbalance can result in a variety of symptoms, including irregular periods, more severe premenstrual symptoms, heavy menstrual bleeding, and mood swings. Estrogen dominance can also contribute to other hormone imbalances and may increase the risk of developing certain health conditions, such as breast cancer and fibroids.
To help balance hormones during perimenopause, incorporating foods rich in fiber, like carrots and various other vegetables, into your diet can be beneficial. While there is no single “magic” food or remedy to balance hormones, incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods, along with regular exercise and stress management techniques, can help support overall hormonal health during perimenopause.
If you have severe hormonal symptoms it’s best to consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist or a holistic hormone specialist.
How do you flush extra estrogen out?
Whilst there is no one magical ingredient that can make excess estrogen disappear, there are diets you can follow that not only can help balance your hormones, but also help with weight loss and overall health. You can find free meal plans right here. Choose from a Mediterranean, Keto, Paleo or Vegetarian 5-day plan that is designed to improve your hormone health, metabolism and gut health.
And by the way, did you know that exercise has a significant impact on your hormones? Strength training in particular has been linked to improvement in hormone balance for many women. If you want to learn how to get started on strength training you can download my free guide, in this free guide you will find some important things you need to consider when it comes to lifting those dumbbells in the most effective way.
GET MY FREE STRENGHT TRAINING GUIDE TO YOUR INBOX
Bottom line.
Remember no magical salad is going to fix all your gut health issues or hormone imbalances, it’s about creating an overall healthy lifestyle which includes:
- Eliminating processed and inflammatory foods.
- Adding more nutrient-rich raw foods just like the hormone balancing raw carrot salad as well as many other furits, vegetables and good quality proteins in your diet.
- Exercising regularly.
- Managing stress and working on improving sleep.
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