Did you know a carrot a day can help keep night sweats, acne, and PMS at bay?
YES!
For years, I’ve instinctively eaten a few carrots every afternoon as I was preparing dinner… I love their sweet crunch and sometimes I’d even dip them in mustard for a little added flavor.
Fast-forward to today, I’m working with Josh Rubin of East West Healing (more posts to come on my experience) and he recommends eating a carrot 1-2 times a day, particularly in our follicular phase (the time before ovulation).
Why, you ask?
Well, turns out raw carrots contain unique fibers that bind toxins, particularly excess estrogen, in our intestines while not feeding unhealthy bacteria (similar to what a charcoal supplement would do.)
One study showed that daily consumption of a raw carrot at breakfast for 3 weeks reduced serum cholesterol by 11%, increased fecal bile acid and fat excretion by 50%, and modestly increased stool weight by 25%. This suggests a [positive] change in bacterial flora or metabolism. The changes in serum cholesterol, fecal bile acids, and fat persisted 3 weeks after stopping treatment.” – Am J Clin Nutr September 1979 vol. 32 no. 9 1889-1892. The effect of raw carrot on serum lipids and colon function.
Additionally, Dr. Ray Peat found women reduced their problematic estrogen levels by the daily consumption of 1 medium size carrot. Less estrogen generally means less inflammation and liver stress, and better thyroid health.
I’m loving such a cheap, easy and tasty remedy!
Here’s a luscious, little salad you can make to enjoy your daily carrot.
(If you don’t have time to make just eat a raw carrot 
)
Carrot Cleanse Salad
Ingredients:
1 medium organic carrot
1-2 tsps. coconut or apple cider vinegar
1/2-1 tsp. maple syrup or honey
1 tsp. coconut oil
A couple of dashes of pure salt
Directions:
Wash carrot well. Do not peel! Grate lengthwise with grater.
Add oil, vinegar and salt.
Mix and enjoy DAILY!
If you’re sensitive to beta carotene (i.e. your hands turn orange), rinse the shredded carrot till water runs clear before adding salt and dressing.
What natural remedies help YOU ease hormonal issues?
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow who knew.. i guess you did hehe.. I think I should try this as I may have pcos
Yes! Give it a whirl
That’s great info. I love carrots and fortunately my boys don’t resist them as much as some other veggies. What about the nitrates? Are they a concern if you’re consuming them every day? I know I read some things about this when I was making baby food for my little ones.
Sharon Christiansen recently posted On the path to New Home Ownership!
I don’t worry about the nitrates. Children are fine having cooked carrots at 3 months +. Of course, I always recommend rotating food as much as possible. Also, nitrates are more of an issue in formula fed kids.
I wouldn’t recommend feeding this RAW carrot salad to kids until they’re 2+. Griffin loves it!
Raw (and cooked) carrots are one of my VERY favorite foods!! This makes me depressed, because I have a bad case of TMJ and cannot eat them. I know, you can shred them too, but I just miss those days of just being able to pop all of that raw crunchy food in when I wanted a healthy snack.
Sara recently posted Wacky Whitney {I Love You}
Too funny, I just started doing this after read Ray Peat. I love the taste. And incidentally French women (I am on a tear about the French lately!)often start meals with raw carrot salad. Yet another thing they do right without really stressing about nutrition!
Carrie Willard recently posted How To Eat Like a French Woman
AMEN!
Well, that’s just nifty!
We tend to eat a lot of carrots, but now we’ll do so INTENTIONALLY!
The Provision Room recently posted 10 Day Give: DAY NINE!
Love the post and love carrots! The salad sounds sooo good.
Just two questions: Why not peel them? And why wait until 2+ to give to kids raw?
Just curious….thanks!!
The skin contains valuable fiber that helps to bind toxins. I think raw carrots or any vegetable with the exception to fruit veggies, are hard to digest and irritating to the intestinal lining for the very young.
And what’s more, orange foods promote the production of progesterone in our bodies, countering the effects of estrogen dominance.
Dana Boyle recently posted No Tears In Appreciation
Eating a carrot everyday, what a great idea ! One carrot a day keeps the medicine away !! A french mama who tries to eat healthy too !!
Anne recently posted Velouté de brocolis
Is this a salad you could make a large amount of in advance to eat every day or is it better to make it fresh each day? I totally am done with using a hand grater after a few days of doing this, my hands are tired, haha! I could use my food processor and make a larger amount, but wonder if it would keep well, anyone know?
I was wondering the same. Would cultured, shredded carrots do the same thing??
I think cultured would work but not 100% sure. I like the way untreated carrots taste better in this salad.
You can shred several carrots in advance but I wouldn’t put on the dressing and earlier than 1/2 hour before .
I love carrots! Unfortunately my hubby is not a fan… So I have to make sure to get them in smaller quantities so I can eat them all before they go bad. Now that I know this, I may just have to get more!
JennaDanelle recently posted Protected: Limited Edition: Fall Session Info
Hey Mama!!!
I’m sooo excited your writing about what your learning with Josh! I’ve been reading Rays articles for a little over a year and have been adding some of his dietary recommendations into my diet, like the raw carrot salad.
Looking forward to hearing more about your experience working with EastWest Healing!
~ Coconut Mama
Tiffany @ The Coconut Mama recently posted Dairy Free Pumpkin Spice Creamer
YAY! Thanks for stopping by Tiffany. Love your blog name as I can’t tell you how much I love the mighty coconut
>
Yes, more posts on Ray Peat/Josh Rubin as I continue this journey…
XOXO
What if you have PCOS with excess androgens? I don’t really have the problem of excess estrogen…
I think it would help EVERYONE… men included since it also binds other gut-related toxins. Plus, it’s tasty
Such a cool tip! We have a 10# bag from Costco that I would occasionally munch on but noticed my last period was very crampy. Guess I need to get back to noshing on a carrot or two a day!
I learned the no peeling tip from a chef friend a few years ago and have never looked back.
Jess @ Crunchy Hot Mama recently posted Comment on Northstar Ranch by Casey (A Healthy Spin)
This makes so much sense! I’ve been eating carrots like crazy lately and noticed my PMS was nonexistent when my period returned after having my last baby… now I know why!
Kylie recently posted Healthy Eating Giveaways – You Are #WhatYouEatHop
I just tried this out and it’s yummy! My first coconut oil use. I did have to warm it a few seconds in the microwave to liquify it but it was very tasty.
Nicki recently posted Carrot Soup (Pure and Simple)
Neat! Just tried the carrot salad and loved it! Thank you for sharing!
Oh good!
Do you think I could make a big batch of this for the week and keep in jars for my packed lunches? Would it spoil or would letting the ingredients sit together ruin it? I might be over-thinking this whole thing- I tend to do that. hehe Thanks!
{ 3 trackbacks }