If made and consumed right away, coleslaw is safe to consume while pregnant. Because pre-made coleslaw frequently remains in the refrigerator and can grow the Listeria bacteria that cause listeriosis, it is not regarded as safe for pregnant women to consume.
Another problem with pre-made coleslaw is that it’s impossible to tell whether the veggies used in it were well-washed before usage.
Continue reading to learn more about eating coleslaw while pregnant and other topics.
To begin with, what is coleslaw?
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a salad made of square pieces of cabbage, usually white cabbage, that have been shred, finely sliced, or chopped into smaller pieces.
The cabbage may be blended with other thinly sliced vegetables, such as onions and carrots, and then dressed with a mixture of herbs and spices mixed in a mayonnaise sauce, a vinegar-based sauce, or a mustard sauce.
The flavor of this prepared salad is improved by allowing the coleslaw to marinade in the sauce for at least a few hours after it has been made.
The phrase “cole slaw” is frequently used to refer to the dish, as well as “cold slaw” and “slaw.” However, the word “cold slaw” dates back to the early 1800s and was more commonly used in England.
How to make coleslaw
Ingredients
- A single cabbage head
- 1 medium-sized carrot
- 2 tbsp. minced onion
- 12 cup normal or light mayonnaise
vinegar, ideally white, 1 1/2 tablespoons
- 2 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice .
- 1 cup sugar
- Salt, 1/2 tsp.
- A little pepper
- Whole or low-fat milk, optional but advised, 1/4 cup
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Instructions
- Slice the carrots and cabbage as thinly as you can after thoroughly rinsing them
- In a big bowl, combine buttermilk, milk, mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Completely combine.
- Add the chopped onion, carrot, and cabbage to the mixture and stir thoroughly. Serve the coleslaw once it has chilled in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.
Can a pregnant woman eat coleslaw
Salads that have already been prepared and packaged, like cole slaw, are typically discouraged during pregnancy.Versions obtained from stores or supermarkets are included.
Listeria is more common in prepared foods like coleslaw because it can thrive in low acid, high water, and refrigerated environments.
Because coleslaw is consumed cold and not cooked, heat can’t be employed to eradicate the bacteria.
There is still hope if you’re feeling down about skipping coleslaw. There are several much better, homemade options that are safe for pregnant women.
Healthy Coleslaw Recipes for Pregnancy
It Is possible to satisfy a taste for coleslaw when pregnant by making your own. It’s considerably simpler than you might imagine and typically much healthier as well.
When I say “make it yourself,” if you decide to use a kit (pre-shredded cabbage, etc. in a bag), you should wash it well first.
You MUST use commercial mayonnaise and NOT homemade mayonnaise when creating homemade coleslaw or potato salad.
Is it ok to eat coleslaw dressing while pregnant
The majority of non-mayonnaise coleslaw dressings are safe to consume during pregnancy because they are typically made with oil, vinegar, and seasonings like herbs and mustard.
Make sure the mayo is manufactured with pasteurized eggs if you’re preparing or purchasing a dressing with mayonnaise as the base.
How to preserve homemade coleslaw
Although homemade salads are wonderful, healthy substitute for store-bought ones, you still need to take a few precautions to avoid bacterial infection when keeping it and before you’ve finished eating it.
- Eat your homemade coleslaw as soon as possible after making it.
- Always use a cooler with plenty of ice if you’re transporting it somewhere, like a beach or picnic.
- Cold salads shouldn’t be kept at room temperature for too long.
- Eat the salad as soon as it is prepared and cover any leftovers to keep them in the refrigerator.
Coleslaw health benefits
1. Reduces Inflammation
The first advantage of coleslaw salad is that it can help you avoid inflammation. It is because cabbage contains antioxidants.
In actuality, cruciferous vegetables like cabbage contain a wide variety of antioxidants that have been demonstrated to lessen chronic inflammation.
Then, eating coleslaw salad is something that should be considered in order to avoid bodily infection and inflammation.
2. Guards Digestive System
Because coleslaw salad contains fiber, it contributes to promoting good digestion. Insoluble fiber, a form of carbohydrate that cannot be digested in the intestines, is present in coleslaw salad, which is beneficial to the digestive system.
As a result, it aids in maintaining a healthy digestive tract by making stools more substantial and encouraging regular bowel motions.
Furthermore, fiber encourages the growth of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, two types of helpful bacteria, in the gut.
Thus, these bacteria can support digestive health while also defending the immune system.
3. Cleanses the Body
The coleslaw salad’s ability to purify the body is just one of its many health benefits. This is related to cabbage’s capacity to aid in the liver’s detoxification of toxins and its diuretic qualities in the salad.
Additionally, it aids in the body’s removal of toxins and extra water. That’s great, isn’t it?
4. Vitamin C sources
The supply of vitamin C that coleslaw salad provides is one of its health advantages. You may obtain 24% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C by eating a dish of this salad.
As a result, it shields the body from free radical damage, which has been linked to a number of chronic illnesses, including cancer.
According to a study, each daily 100-mg increase in vitamin C intake resulted with a 7% reduction in the chance of developing lung cancer. Such wonderful advantages, no?
5. A Vitamin K source
Secondly, it appears that coleslaw salad is a good source of vitamin K. This vitamin, which is found in cabbage, can help our bones become more mineralized.
Indeed, we must meet the body’s requirements for vitamin K. Otherwise, a lack of this vitamin could cause harm like blood vessel stiffening.
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6. Encourages Healthy Eating
There is no denying that cole slaw salad qualifies as a nutritious dish. It has super-healthy cabbage in it.
This one is also high in minerals, vitamins, and fiber. For the healthiest salad ever, you may also use other fantastic ingredients like cucumber and tomato.
7. Supports Heart Health
Unexpectedly, coleslaw salad can aid in heart health protection. This is because cabbage contains potent antioxidants.
As a result, it lowers the risk of heart disease and reduces inflammation in the body.
Conclusion
All coleslaw is typically produced with pasteurized mayonnaise, making it safe to consume while pregnant.
However, because of the possibility of cross contamination, coleslaw purchased from retailers is less safe.
Despite being wrapped, Listeria can thrive because to the high moisture level.
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