At age 16, I was living on my own in sunny Southern California, holding 3 part-time jobs just to stay afloat while I finished my junior and senior year of high school — one of those jobs was at a local juice bar.
While I got fired from that job for not flirting with the customers, I learned a lot about the health benefits of juicing.
(Come to think of it, I’ve been fired from many jobs in my lifetime for not “following the rules.” But hey, that’s for another post.)
This is when I discovered my love for carrot juice.
I remembered my high school friend's father used to drink so much carrot juice that his hands turned orange; he was always such a health nut. I took notice. I was intrigued. He was always fit and had a nice tan.
Fast forward 30+ years and here I am again revisiting my love for those rich in beta-carotene sticks called carrots.
Even though most people will tell you carrots have “too much sugar”, they’d be absolutely incorrect.
Raw carrots have a very low glycemic index of 16-60.
If you suffer from high blood sugar (fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, slow wound healing, dry mouth, frequency urination), then listen up because today is your lucky day!
As I began experiencing unpleasant symptoms of peri-menopause (hot flashes, belly fat, irritability, poor eyesight, and many, many others… the list is WAY too long…) I took it upon myself to find a healthy and holistic solution.
As an herbalist and holistic health practitioner, of course, the first thing I did was create an herbal blend, which I drink 6 days a week…
The hot flashes banished almost instantly. I started sleeping through the night and the frequent urination subsided.
RELATED PRODUCT: Hormone Harmony Herbal Blend
Once I started to get my energy back, I decided to keep going and work on this belly fat issue — which had never been an issue for me in the past. I just had to figure it out.
This is when I returned to my love for carrot juice.
Benefits of Carrots
Perhaps you’re a carrot and hummus kinda gal or love to snack on raw carrots during the day. For me, I have always loved a good 100% carrot juice.
Let’s take a look at the rich nutritional profile of carrots, there are quite a few:
Rich in Antioxidants:
Carrots are packed with antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Eye Health:
Beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A found abundantly in carrots, is essential for maintaining good vision and eye health. It can help prevent age-related macular degeneration and protect against night blindness.
Heart Health:
The fiber, potassium, and antioxidants in carrots contribute to heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, reducing blood pressure, and protecting against cardiovascular disease.
Immune Function:
Carrots contain various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps the body fight off infections and illnesses.
Digestive Health:
The fiber content in carrots promotes regular bowel movements, aids digestion, and helps prevent constipation. It also supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Skin Health:
The antioxidants in carrots contribute to healthy skin by protecting against sun damage, reducing the signs of aging, and promoting a radiant complexion.
Weight Loss:
Carrots are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a filling and nutritious snack option that can help support weight loss and weight management goals.
Oral Health:
Chewing raw carrots stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize acids in the mouth and prevent tooth decay. Additionally, the vitamin A in carrots promotes healthy gums and teeth.
Carrot Juice is the Key
At first, I just started purchasing individual (16oz) size of fresh pressed carrot juices at my local health market. At $7.49 a pop, I thought it was about time I dusted off my juicer and started making my own carrot juice.
I purchased huge bags of carrots at $5.99 a bag, which made a little over 1 quart of juice (32 oz) — quite a savings.
I started out with 3 (16oz) glasses of carrot juice a week. Once I got my juice dusted off, I worked it up to 4-5 glasses a week with no plans of stopping!
And let me just say this: it’s been a GAME-CHANGER.
Since drinking carrot juice, my skin has been blemish-free; my complexion is smooth and has a natural “glow to it”, but not orange like my friend’s dad’s hands (back in high school). LOL
My body naturally digests food faster and the frequent urination is GONE. I used to get up 4-5 times per night! It was SO annoying!
While I haven’t been carrot juicing for too long as of now, my eye sight still needs improvement, but I will continue and keep you updated.
The number 1 thing I have been happy about is my belly fat is nearly GONE. I really didn’t want to give up on my once trim waistline, so this has been my greatest feat!
Carrot juice has helped me get back to my naturally slim waistline. WOOHOO!
Hormone Health
By balancing my hormones with herbs and the with the help of carrot juice, I’m getting my LIFE back. No more hot flashes. Beautiful skin. Healthy hair. Trim waistline and finally, uninterrupted sleep!
I can’t emphasize enough how herbs and carrots have played a crucial role in supporting hormone health due to their rich nutritional content, particularly their abundance of beta-carotene, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
Here's how carrots contribute to hormone balance and overall health:
Beta-Carotene:
Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. Beta-carotene acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. This antioxidant activity may help support hormone balance by protecting cells from damage caused by environmental toxins and hormonal fluctuations.
Vitamin A:
Once consumed, beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A, which plays a crucial role in regulating hormone production and function. Vitamin A is involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, as well as thyroid hormones. Adequate vitamin A levels are essential for maintaining healthy hormone levels and reproductive function.
Fiber:
Carrots are a good source of dietary fiber, which plays a role in hormone metabolism and elimination. Fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels, which can impact insulin sensitivity and hormone balance. Additionally, fiber promotes regular bowel movements and supports the excretion of excess hormones and toxins from the body, helping to prevent hormonal imbalances.
Phytonutrients & Modulating Estrogen:
Carrots contain various phytonutrients, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which have been shown to have hormone-balancing effects. These compounds help modulate estrogen activity, reduce inflammation, and support overall hormone health.
Low Glycemic Index:
As I mentioned earlier, carrots have a relatively low glycemic index (GI), meaning they have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels when consumed. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is important for hormone balance, as fluctuations in blood sugar can disrupt insulin production and signaling, leading to hormonal imbalances.
RELATED PRODUCT: Hormone Harmony Herbal Blend
In closing, I encourage any one who is experiencing symptoms that come with peri-menopause, menopause, and hormone issues (I KNOW the list is LONG) to get on the carrot juice and the Hormone Harmony Herbal Blend! These are truly my 2 greatest recommendations to enjoying your 40’s and 50’s to the fullest!
