Remember the days when carrots were criticized for having “too much sugar”? Well if you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve likely seen they are making a comeback, particularly as a hormonal fix for women.
Enter the Ray Peat raw carrot salad.
But before we get too excited, let’s take a step back and evaluate the claims critically. While carrots do have a lot of health benefits, we shouldn’t be glorifying something for what it’s not.
So, let’s dive in to discuss whether the hype around the Ray Peat carrot salad lives up to its claims.
Raw Carrot Salad Origins
The raw carrot salad craze was started by a biochemist named Ray Peat, who has a PhD in Biology. Peat wrote several books in the 90s on nutrition and aging, but it’s important to note that he hasn’t been an author of any actual research studies himself.
If you visit Peat’s website, you’ll find links to dozens of articles, but it can be quite difficult to navigate through them. And upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that many of these articles are opinion pieces with citations, rather than actual research studies.
Even more concerning is the fact that many of the studies that Peat references are questionable. Some are completely outdated, while others are studies done on animals rather than humans.
A good nutrition scientist does not rely on one study that aligns with their beliefs to establish the “truth”. Instead, studies need to be done on humans and replicated several times before any conclusions are drawn.
So while Peat’s ideas and recommendations have gained a following in certain health and wellness circles, it’s important to approach them with a critical eye and not simply take them at face value.
What’s In The Raw Carrot Salad?
- Carrots
- Apple cider vinegar
- Coconut oil
- Honey
- Sea salt
True be told, there’s nothing miraculous about any of these ingredients.
The claims associated with the carrot salad, do seem like miracles however. Peat has claimed that the salad can eliminate toxins, lower estrogen and stress hormones, balance hormones, and even have antibiotic effects. Yet, he provides no evidence to support these bold claims.
Proponents of the diet argue that the fiber in the carrots is what makes it so effective. Peat himself has stated that “combining an indigestible fiber, such as raw carrot, with mild germicides, such as vinegar and coconut oil, can improve the hormonal environment, while reducing the immunological burden.”
However, I did not find any scientific evidence to back this up.
So while the ingredients in the raw carrot salad are certainly nutritious, there’s no evidence to support the idea that consuming them in this particular combination can have such drastic health benefits.
Health Benefits
One medium carrot contains about 2 grams of fiber, which is made up of pectin (a source of soluble fiber), and cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin (insoluble fibers).
Unless you’re eating carrot salad all day, everyday, it’s unlikely that this small amount of fiber from carrots alone will make a significant difference to your health.
In fact, adults need an average of 25-35 grams of fiber per day from various sources to promote good digestive health.
Other plant foods, such as apples and broccoli contain similar types of fiber, and some are higher sources of fiber than carrots. Peat’s claim that the fiber in the raw carrot salad promotes all of the above-mentioned benefits seems to be a stretch.
Don’t get me wrong, carrots themselves are still a nutritious food and raw carrot salad can be good for you. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as beta-carotene, vitamin K, and potassium, which can provide a variety of health benefits, including improved vision and cardiovascular health.
Nevertheless, it’s important to consume a variety of plant-based foods to meet your daily fiber and nutrient requirements, not just carrots.
Is The Raw Carrot Salad The Key To Hormone Balance?
The raw carrot salad has gained popularity for its supposed ability to absorb excess estrogen, as claimed by self-proclaimed “hormone nutritionists” on social media platforms.
First things first, “hormone nutritionist” is not a legitimate credential and does not require any formal education or training. For all we know, they are getting all of their information from social media since there is no regulation.
Ray Peat claimed that eating raw carrots can prevent the absorption of estrogen from the intestine and allow the liver to regulate metabolism more effectively. In my research, I could not uncover any articles that supported this claim about carrots specifically.
Some studies have shown reductions in circulating estrogen levels with a high fiber intake in general, which may help reduce breast cancer risk. Again, fiber is present in so many sources besides carrots (1).
It’s essential to approach anyone claiming “hormone balancing” with caution, as it’s a trendy buzzword that everyone seems to have an opinion on.
Instead of relying on unproven claims from questionable sources, it’s best to consult with a qualified medical professional such as an endocrinologist who has expertise in this area.
Final Thoughts
While the raw carrot salad may have some nutritional benefits, the claims made by Ray Peat and his followers are not backed by scientific evidence.
The idea that the salad can promote hormonal balance and prevent cancer is a stretch at best. Carrots are indeed a healthy addition to the diet, as they are packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
However, it’s important to approach food trends with a critical eye and not rely on one specific food or recipe as a cure-all.
A varied diet that includes a range of nutrient-dense foods is key to overall health, including hormonal health and cancer prevention.
So, if you enjoy raw carrot salad, feel free to incorporate it into your diet, but don’t have a false sense of security that it will provide all the health benefits it’s touted to have. There’s no magic bullet when it comes to nutrition and health.
