Easy and Nourishing Mango Slaw

Hey everybody!  I hope that you are well! 

I must apologize for not posting a Food Fact Friday post two weeks ago.  The man and I were busy wrapping up finding a new place and moving…. a roof overhead had to take priority for a bit!  I am happy to report that we are settling nicely into the new place.  There is still some organizing to do, but it’ll get done.  And I promise to get back into the routine of posting regularly! 

Today, I have a twofer for you…a recipe and info on the nutrients it will provide you!  This cole slaw recipe would be great to take to your Memorial Day BBQ or just enjoy any time for a nutrient packed side dish!  Honestly, we chow down on this slaw often.  It is light and fresh, just right for the warm temps of spring and summer.

This recipe calls for shredded broccoli.  I make this by trimming the hard outer skin from broccoli stalks that I have cut the florets off.  Then shred it with a box grater or food processor.  If you don’t want to do that, you can purchase prepackage broccoli slaw at most stores.  Just remember that the prepackaged stuff will have fewer vitamins & minerals because once cut, produce begins to lose those things.

And as with most recipes of this nature, you may have to adjust the oil and juice depending on the dryness of your veggies.  This happens more for me when I have cut the slaw a few days in advance.  Feel free to adjust the amount just to suite your taste.  I do!  Some meals I want a little lime, other times more salt. 

On to what this tasty slaw will provide your body…

Red cabbage is full of antioxidant to protect you from free radicals that can cause things like premature aging and cancer.  Red cabbage provides 6 time more then green cabbage.  The two taste the same so you can use red in place of green anytime. 

Just like cabbage, broccoli is a member of the crucifer family.  All veggie in this family will contain compounds that fight the development of cancer.  Raw broccoli contains 20% more of sulforaphane, it’s main anticancer compound. 

Carrots provide you with good amount of fiber to nourish your gut, beta-carotene which is great for your eyes, folic acid which is important for cell division (expecting mama’s especially need this to support a healthy baby), and vitamin C to support immune health and fight free radicals.  

Mangos add a bit of sweetness to the recipe but will not stimulate a large rise in blood sugar.  Keeping blood sugar in check is one of the key components to reducing stress on the body and staying healthy.  They also contain good amounts of zinc, magnesium, beta-carotene and vitamins C & E. 

The benefits of olive oil are many.  One major one is that is has been shown to lower cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.  It may also have anti-inflammatory properties and is high in vitamin E, which also provides antioxidant protection.

So, as you can see this real food recipe can provide you with many health-promoting benefits and lots of vitamins and minerals!  And to be honest, I barely scratched the surface of what it provides. 

I would love to know if you try this recipe and what you think of it!  It is a favorite in my house, even my man’s kids like this slaw recipe!  Have a great long weekend and be safe!