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Chayote also known as pear squash, vegetable pear, christophene, sayote, is a pear-shaped green fruit (yes, it's NOT a vegetable) that belongs in the gourd family Cucurbitaceae, as well as melons,cucumbers and squash.
People are commonly familiar to eat its fruit but many found it to be more than that because even its leaves, stem, roots, and seeds are edible too.
Today, we will share with you the many health benefits of chayote. So, if you are one of those people who hate this perennial vine, you will surely start loving it after reading this post.
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People are commonly familiar to eat its fruit but many found it to be more than that because even its leaves, stem, roots, and seeds are edible too.
Today, we will share with you the many health benefits of chayote. So, if you are one of those people who hate this perennial vine, you will surely start loving it after reading this post.
1. Good for pregnant women
- Doctors recommend eating chayote especially during your childbearing years. Why? Because it has folate, a water soluble vitamin that is important cell division, DNA synthesis and helps prevent neural tube birth defects (brain disorders) in newborn babies
2. Prevents cancer, heart disease and arthritis
- Chayotes have Vitamin C and aglycone flavonoid poly-phenolic antioxidants (apigenin and luteolin) that helps collect and harmful fight free radicals from the body that causes aging, cancer and various diseases.
3. Reduces risk of developing digestive problems
- Chayote is rich in fiber which lowers risk for constipation. Safe for people with sensitive stomach and those who are suffering from intestinal inflammation
4. Aids in weight loss
- Again because it is a good source of fiber and low in calories (38.6 calories, 94% water and 0.1 gram fat), dieticians highly recommend it to those who are on a diet.
5. Lowers cholesterol, controls blood pressure and blood sugar level (for diabetics)
- The potassium content in chayote cleans carbon dioxide from the blood. Alongside that, the fiber also aids in controling the blood sugar level and lowers cholesterol
6. Helps in wound healing
- Because of its Vitamin C content plus zinc, Vitamin K it provides a good support in healing of wounds and in forming cartilage.
7. Keeps bones strong
- The calcium and magnesium found in chayote keeps your bones in good shape
8. Helps in nerve and muscle function
- It provides a moderate level of potassium that is good for the working muscles.
- If you always feel your legs are feel heavy and easily get tired, you may be lacking in potassium.
- It prevents muscle cramps because of its magnesium content
- In addition, it helps in the body's fluid balance by assisting in the delivery of oxygen to the brain.
9. Improves mood
- The selenium found in chayote plays a vital role in a person's mood. In fact, a study in the United States states that an individual with low body selenium "showed the worst mood."
10. Boosts energy
- It has manganese that converts fat and protein to energy. Nice!
11. Takes care of thyroid
- Chayote has copper that facilitates healthy thyroid and aids in hormone production and absorption
12. Lessens chance of developing acne
- It has zinc that affects the body's hormones which controls the oil production of the skin
13. Keeps brain healthy
- It contains Vitamin B6 that helps improve memory performance, according to USDA