Immune Boosting Carrot Salad

 

The day before my weekly market shop, the fridge is looking a little drab and unloved. After standing with the fridge door open for far too long than I’d like to admit, waiting for a plate of food to miraculously appear, I accept that all I have to work with are some carrots, a jar of sauerkraut and half a lemon. Suddenly inspired, I grab a few things from the pantry and in less than 5 minutes, this vibrant little salad came to life.

1 carrot, grated
¼ apple, grated
2 tablespoons sauerkraut
1 teaspoon flaxseeds
1 teaspoon sultanas
walnuts
juice of half a lemon
olive oil or flaxseed oil
salt

Simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Dress with lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil or flaxseed oil and salt. Sprinkle with walnuts.

The humble carrot…

                                 

With all the superfoods that seem to dominate the health scene, sometimes it’s easy to forget the old carrot. Orange, purple, yellow, white and red, all varieties of carrots contain valuable amounts of antioxidant nutrients. Given their antioxidant richness, carrots help to support a healthy immune system as well as promoting cardiovascular health and improved vision.

Sauerkraut is one of my favourite things. As you may know, I’m a little culture crazy. I adore fermented foods and the health benefits they bestow. Ripe with probiotic power, sauerkraut can be kept in the fridge ready for moments like this or for when you need a quick savoury snack. As cabbage ferments to produce sauerkraut, it produces a diverse population of live bacteria. These probiotics replenish the good bacteria in your gut and help inhibit the growth of bad bacteria. Our intestinal flora informs and influences our immune system, so having a healthy gut means a stronger immune system! Sauerkraut is also a great source of vitamin C.