If you’re not a fan of carrots, I highly recommend trying this delicious herbed and zesty carrot salad. It’s so good, it might just change your mind!
Carrots are incredibly healthy and a great source of fibre, which can help flush out excess estrogen associated with acne, PMS, and other hormonal disruptions. Moreover, they are an excellent source of essential vitamins and antioxidants.
Carotenoids, a group of natural compounds found in carrots, are responsible for the vibrant colour of the vegetable. These include beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which promote eye health and protect against age-related degenerative eye diseases.
Beta-carotene gets converted into Vitamin A (Retinol) in our bodies, which is critical for whole-body health and vibrant skin. It may also help protect the skin against sunburn by increasing the basal defence against UV light-mediated damage and reducing acne.
The high amounts of Vitamins A and C in carrots can help increase collagen production and slow the breakdown of collagen and elastin that causes skin ageing.
Beta-carotene is not easily destroyed by cooking, unlike many other nutrients. It helps break down vegetables’ thick cell walls and effectively releases beta-carotene, making it more readily available for the body to use.
However, cooking can destroy a significant amount of heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamin C and folate. Therefore, to increase the bioavailability of beta-carotene, it would be better to add some fats like olive oil or avocado to your raw carrots.
That’s why this salad is the perfect way to consume carrots, and it’s very easy to make. It also works beautifully in a veggie bowl!
Herbed and zesty carrot salad
Equipment
- 1 vegetable peeler
Ingredients
- 1 carrot cut into strips
- 1 bunch coriander finely chopped
- 1 lemon (juice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tsp coconut nectar (or honey)
- 1 tbsp Zaatar spice mix
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel a carrot and use the same peeler to make thin strips.
- Add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix well. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes.
- If you can't find Zaatar mix, you can make your own version by mixing dried thyme, dried marjoram, dried oregano, sumac and salt.