A raw carrot a day… could it really be the golden ticket to a more hormone balanced body? According to Dr. Ray Peat, a biologist who specializes in hormone and metabolic health, the raw carrot is an affordable, easy-to-implement functional food that can improve many hormonal woes such as estrogen dominance.

What is Estrogen Dominance?

“Estrogen dominance happens from having too much estrogen. It is linked to a whole slew of frustrating and uncomfortable symptoms. 

It puts you at risk for a whole host of chronic issues. From fatigue to irritability to autoimmune conditions, thyroid dysfunction, and cancer, estrogen can wreak havoc on your body. Especially if it’s not in proper balance with your other reproductive hormones, such as progesterone.” -Dr. Amy Meyers

Estrogen dominance is at an all time high because our bodies are bombarded by xenoestogens, according to Dr. Amy Meyers. “These are industrial chemicals that mimic the behavior of estrogens. They’re everywhere in our modern environment. They’re in our food, personal care products, furniture, and clothes. From the water we drink to the food we eat, we encounter a shocking number of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the course of a day.”

I think it’s accurate to say, the average modern day woman is likely struggling with hormonal balance woes. I believe that through functional nutrition by being intentional about the foods we eat can set us up for hormonal success.

why the raw carrot?

Dr. Ray Peat promotes eating the equivalent of one raw carrot a day, via a raw carrot salad for it’s anti-estrogen and bowel protective properties. “Several women who suffered from premenstrual symptoms, including migraine, had their serum estrogen measured before and after the “carrot diet,” and they found that the carrot lowered their estrogen within a few days, as it relieved their symptoms. (1). The carrot salad improves the ratio of progesterone to estrogen and cortisol. “

How to eat a raw carrot

• Use organic medium-sized carrots, not baby carrots.
• Make sure they are washed, and then use a grater to grate it OR I use a peeler to peel it into ribbons. If you don’t have time to peel/grate, eat it whole!
• It’s ideal to eat in between meals as a snack versus WITH a meal.
• To eat as a salad, add a splash of apple cider vinegar for added gut health benefits, a sprinkle of salt and coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil.
• Want to make it ahead? Peel a bunch of carrots, place in a quart sized mason jar or container, add filtered water, 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, a splash of coconut oil / olive oil, and 1.5 teaspoons of salt.

the verdict

Since I’ve incorporated the daily carrot salad into my routine about 6-8 weeks ago, my acne has overall lessened, and I did notice an improvement in my PMS during my last cycle. I’ve definitely noticed digestive benefits, way less bloating, gas and more regular bowel movements. I appreciate how affordable this nutrition hack is to implement versus spending money on another supplement!

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