Health

Powerful Hormone-Balancing Russian Carrot Salad

31 January

Russian cuisine has always been an inspiration in my kitchen, especially when it comes to salads. One dish that stands out as a personal favorite is Корейская Морковь (pronounced koreyskaya morkovka), or Korean Carrots. This dish, although popular in Russia, is uniquely Russian with Korean influences. It’s a staple at many family gatherings and celebrations.

The Health Benefits of Korean Carrots

Before diving into the recipe, let’s explore why this simple salad is so powerful for your health. Raw carrots are a digestion powerhouse. They naturally produce anti-fungal and anti-microbial substances that help resolve gut issues. When marinated in oil, vinegar, and salt, the carrots transform into a cultured vegetable, rich in beneficial bacteria that supports a healthy gut microbiome.

But that’s just the beginning. Marinated carrots also help detoxify the liver, eliminate endotoxins, and reduce excess estrogen—three factors that can negatively impact metabolism. For me, as soon as I notice my skin breaking out from hormonal changes, I make this salad right away!

Additionally, carrots are high in fiber, which binds and flushes out toxins, supporting overall digestive health and metabolic function. This makes marinated carrots a great tool for optimizing metabolism and maintaining overall well-being.

Dr. Ray Peat’s Take on Carrot Salad Benefits

I first learned about the health benefits of this carrot salad through the work of Dr. Ray Peat, a nutritional expert specializing in metabolic health. According to Dr. Peat, this salad helps balance the ratio of progesterone, estrogen, and cortisol in the body, making it especially helpful for conditions like:

Arthritis
Epilepsy
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Insomnia

Find Dr. Ray Peat’s Recipe Here.

My Own Recipe

Inspired by how much I loved koreyskaya morkovka at holiday meals, I began experimenting with my own version at 14. One day, with nothing but a bag of carrots in the fridge, I decided to improvise. The result was a simple yet tasty marinated carrot salad that quickly became a family favorite.

NØKAP’s Pro-Metabolic Carrots Recipe

Ingredients:

1-2 shredded or ribboned carrots (I use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons)
½ tablespoon olive or coconut oil
Splash of apple cider vinegar
1 clove shredded garlic
Salt to taste
Black and crushed red pepper to taste

Instructions:

Shred or ribbon the carrots and place them in a bowl.
Add the olive or coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and shredded garlic.
Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper to taste.
Mix well and let the flavors marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving (but most of the time I eat it right away lol)

*if you get really lazy, you can just chop up some carrots and toss them in with the wet ingredients… so easy!