This dish has been widely discussed on social media because it is served not just as a simple salad, but as a superfood for beauty, health, and youth.
The secret of this vitamin salad lies in… carrots. Essentially, the dish is made up of 95% of it. And the orange root vegetable is rich in vitamins, including beta-carotene, a source of vitamin A and retinol. The latter is very popular in skincare.
Cosmetics with retinol stimulate collagen production, give skin elasticity, and also work against aging and imperfections. But is vitamin A-rich food as effective as serum? Whether it can replace serum or not is not so important, as "thin crispy slices of carrot with soy sauce, lemon juice, and sesame" also sounds delicious!
Let’s figure it out and, of course, prepare the trendy salad.
Carrots — Is There Any Benefit for the Skin?
Carrots do not contain vitamin A in its ready form. Instead, there is the provitamin beta-carotene, which is processed by the body into a "familiar" and active form. And it becomes the basis for the "production" of retinol.
What is the advantage of the connection "beta-carotene → vitamin A → retinol" for the body? It is that the latter regulates the amount of retinoids obtained from food that it needs for optimal "functioning". The body then decides where and for what tasks to send the portion of fresh vitamin from food. It is needed in very small doses. And if consumed in its "pure" form, for example, in the form of dietary supplements, one can exceed the norm (if done unsystematically and without consultation). This can negatively affect health. Therefore, in the battle of "dietary supplements vs. carrots," the latter wins.
Vitamin A, which enters the body through food, is one of the vital elements. It actively participates in metabolism, supports immunity, reproductive organs, vision, and yes, takes care of mucous membranes and skin. The body uses retinol comprehensively, for all life systems, not specifically and only for smoothing wrinkles.
Remember that retinol is a fat-soluble vitamin, and tocopherol, vitamin E from oils, is needed for its absorption. And even if you are on a diet, do not refuse healthy fats and definitely add them to the dish.
It is not worth considering retinol-containing delicacies as a replacement for serums with vitamin A. They do not act specifically (on the skin) as one might imagine. But for the body, it is very beneficial — it supports health, youth, and, as a result, beauty.
Recipe for ‘Retinol’ Salad
The salad is quick to prepare since it contains raw vegetables, and also, due to the addition of spices and seasonings, the dish turns out tasty. The basic recipe can be supplemented with spices, chopped nuts, herbs, or any other additions.
This volume yields 2 servings. The dish is low in calories and rich not only in vitamins but also in fiber, but eating a whole bowl every day is not very good either. Two carrots a day will be enough to maintain health, and hypervitaminosis and carotenemia (when the skin can turn yellow from excess beta-carotene) are not needed by anyone.
Ingredients
✓ 4 large carrots;
✓ 2 cloves of garlic;
✓ 1 tablespoon of sesame or olive oil;
✓ 1–2 tablespoons of soy sauce;
✓ 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar;
✓ A bunch of green onions;
✓ Juice of lime or 0.5 lemon;
✓ 3 tablespoons of sesame seeds;
✓ Salt, pepper – to taste.
Preparation
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Use a vegetable peeler to slice the carrots into thin slices, then transfer them to a salad bowl. Add the minced garlic, chopped green onions, lime or lemon juice, olive or sesame oil, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
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Season everything with salt, pepper, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Let the dish sit for 10 minutes. It can be eaten alone or as a side dish for meat or fish.
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Be sure to make this salad and get your vitamin boost! But remember, do not remove the retinol serum from your routine if you are actively using it.
