MANGOES // rich in beta-carotene

Beta-carotene is a powerful carotenoid. This element of mango helps to enhance the immune system and make it impervious to bacteria and toxins.Excess beta-carotein is also transformed into Vitamin A. This is another antioxidant vitamin and gives you additional protection from the free radicals that harm your internal systems.Mangoes increase your chances of living a disease-free life.

Today's post is one that is near and dear to my heart currently.Starting around 2005 I was getting sick nearly every 30 days. I paired it with living the life of a college student; poor sleeping hours, binge drinking at Bogie's bar and Canes chicken fingers on repeat.Fast forward to my post college life where I started cleaning up my diet and drinking less. I was still getting sick almost every 30 days...colds, light fevers, bronchitis, sinus infections, repeat.When I had learned I had

Celiac Disease

, it finally made sense as to why I was always sick. Celiac disease wrecks your immune system but not only that, I was not fueling my body with the correct nutrition. For starters, I was harming my body by eating gluten but also I wasn't making fruit and veggies the main focal point of my meals.After my Cardiologist and Geneticist both encouraged new dietary restrictions, I knew it was time to take the plunge; take the sarcastic comments from those who aren't in the know on nutrition acting as medicine nd heal my body the right way..with clean eating. Think gluten free + Vegan + fish...but sometimes chicken and beef. Moderation and source is key with your animal products. I one day hope to be solely vegan plus fish but until then I will ingest the best local sources of my animal products.After being committed my new diet (lifestyle) I now can say I am 5lbs from my target weight set by my Geneticist and have not been sick in 174 days!!!You guys seriously don't understand how HUGE this is for me and others who struggle with this disease(s). Imagine being sick for over 10 years around the clock, struggling to gain weight, dealing with the harshness of people/strangers comments that can't see the struggle and still moving forward with a plan people don't fully comprehend.I have made it my life goal to live well and feel well despite my diagnoses and I love seeing the strides I have made.With that being said, let's get started on this delicious Mango Salsa recipe!The other weekend, I got to spend some time at my sister and her husband's beach cabin. With the weather being so hot, we wanted to have something refreshing for dinner. Whenever I think of refreshing meals, I always think of lime juice which then makes me think of ceviche. After some more brainstorming, we settled on shrimp tacos with a mango salsa. Yum!This salsa is super versatile. It can be paired with shrimp, scallops, salmon, white fish, chips, etc. etc.