CANCER-BUSTING CARROTS AND A SIMPLE CARROT SALAD WITH SESAME DRESSING

Carrots … cheap, readily available, invariably liked by children.  And now, a cancer-busting superfood to boot.   Research into carrots has shown them to: lower the risk of heart attacks in women; reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 32%; reduce the risk of colon, prostate and bladder cancer; restore vision; and help prevent inflammatory diseases like arthritis.

Carrots contain two very powerful anti-oxidants: beta carotene and polyacetylene (the latter found only in the carrot family).  And now Newcastle University has launched a three-year study to look at exactly how we can harness the full power of carrots. Read more here http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/483656/Carrots-hold-key-to-beating-cancer-say-scientists

Carrots are also rich in a wide range of vitamins (specifically vitamin A) and minerals (read more at http://foodfacts.mercola.com/carrot.html). And although the beta-carotene is enhanced in cooked carrots, as it’s summer I’m giving you a favourite raw salad this week – easy and simple as ever.  The pumpkin seeds add manganese, magnesium, zinc and iron; the sesame seeds add copper and calcium; and sunflower seeds are packed with age-defying vitamin E and B1 (thiamine).  All three seeds contain protein and essential fatty acids, making this simple salad a veritable powerhouse of nutrients.

SIMPLE CARROT SALAD WITH SUNFLOWER AND PUMPKIN SEEDS IN A SESAME DRESSING

Serves 6 as a side salad

• 2 tbsps pumpkin seeds, dry roasted
• 2 tbsps sunflower seeds, dry roasted
• 6 medium carrots, washed but not peeled
• For the dressing:
• 2 tbsps sesame seeds, dry roasted
• ¼ cup of olive oil
• 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
• ½ tsp sea salt

While your seeds are toasting (I use a small cast iron pan), grate the carrots, using a food processor for speed.  Make the dressing and pour it over the combined carrots and seeds. Feel free to add a grated raw beetroot which also works well. Simple, seedy and super-delicious and nutritious!

Annabel