Chayote squash is popularly known as a vegetable pear because of its shape and size. It has a crunch to it and has a sweet cucumber-like taste to it. There are many varieties of chayote that comes in various textures and colours.Many people often choose to consume their seeds by roasting or frying it. It is usually grown during the warmer months. While it may not be a popular staple for many, it is loaded with nutrients and packed with antioxidants that are beneficial for our health. Here are a few reasons why you need to add this vegetable to your diet.

Folate-rich foods are essential for women to have a healthy pregnancy. It is essential that make pregnant women make food like these, which includes the squash, as part of their daily diet. Folate or vitamin B9 helps the fetal brain and spinal cord to develop well and properly. Consuming a healthy amount of folate has also been found to prevent preterm births.

Consuming a healthy amount of fresh fruits and vegetables have been found to significantly reduce the risk of different types of cancer. One study found compounds found in chayote squash helps to slow down the growth of some cancer cells, as well as its progression. It is has been found to be especially beneficial for those suffering from cervical cancer and leukaemia. While further research is still needed to investigate this link, researchers are hopeful it can lead to better treatment options for patients with cancer.

Chayote squash is low in carbs and high fibre. This is essential to help the body manage blood sugar levels. It contains fibre that helps to slows down the digestion process and helps the body more easily absorb carbs. Researchers discovered plant compounds found chayote plays a major role in tackling insulin resistance by decreasing the level of activity of enzymes that are associated with high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes.

Chayote squash contains a very high amount of antioxidants. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods, help to protect our bodies from a host of issues. Reducing stress, preventing cellular damage and reducing inflammation are some of the ways it helps out health. Chayote squash also provides myricetin, which contains powerful properties that help to tackle diabetes, cancer and inflammation. It is also a rich source of vitamin C.