Divya
Divyabharathi Founder and creator of "Wikisblog".writing natural and health related articles and blogs. 5 min read

Chayote(Chow chow)- Nutritional facts and Health Benefits

Introduction



SCIENTIFIC NAME : Sechium Edule

FAMILY: Gourd family (Cucurbitaceae)

NATIVE: Mexico and Guatemala



Chayote is belongs to the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae).Its botanical name is Sechium Edule. It is known as Chayote in the countries of the world.

 

There are two types in Chayote. That is normal and wild type Chayote. we are using normal chayote in our diet.it is called in different names chayote, vegetable pear, Mexican squash, Chayote squash, alligator pear, custard marrow, and mirliton.In India it is called chow chow, seemaai katharikai, Bangalore katharikai and maerakkai(in tamil).

Chayote is a pear type vegetable which also known as Bangalore Eggplant. Eggplant has nothing to do with Chayote. The name originated from the fact that it is grown in places around Bangalore and sold to Tamil Nadu.

Its origin is Mexico and Guatemala. later its Cultivated in America, Asia, Africa, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, China and Europe. Now it is cultivated worldwide.

 

Parts to be Eaten(Chayote)

  • Fruit- Chayote can be eaten both raw and cooked. Soaked in lemon juice and used as a pickle.it is also an antioxidant.
  • Tubers- Roots are found as tubers. It is used in many countries where it is cooked like potato, Tapioca root and sweet potato.
  • Leaves- The leaves and the stem part are fried and eaten.

Medicinal benefits of Chayote

  • Increase Urination.
  • Improves the protection of the heart and coronary arteries.
  • Acts against for Inflammation.
  • Being low in calories and carbohydrates, it is used for weight loss.
  • Prevents stomach ulcers.
  • It works against the accumulation of fat deposition in the blood.
  • Used to lower blood sugar levels
  • Helps to stop the growth of cancerous cells.

 


Medical properties of Chayote leave Decoction

 

A decoction made from chayote leaves protects the blood vessels. Prevents blood clots and helps regulate blood flow. Chayote prevents blood vessels from becoming less flexible and hardening.

 

A decoction of the leaves can control high blood pressure. It protects our body from various allergies and keeps it healthy.

 

Also this leaf decoction is special in dissolving kidney and kidney stones.

 

Chayote Cancer Responsiveness

A specialty for the Guard family is its ability to destroy cancer-causing tissue. It also contains Ribosome inactivating protein-Sechiumin, similar to the special medicinal substance found in Snake guard. Its medicinal value is not far off when it is used as a medicine to control cancer.

 

Nutrients found in Chow chow (per 100 gm weight)

Calorie 29 kcal

Carbohydrates- 4.51 g

Protein 0.7 grams

Fat-0.3 gm

Calcium-0.14 g

Phosphorus -18 mg

Iron 0.6 mg

Fibre 0.6 g

Niyacine-0.3 mg

Magnesium 12 mg

Copper -0.123 mg

Sodium 2 mg

Potassium- 125 mg

Vitamin C 7.7 mg

Riboflavin -0.029 mg



References

 

T. Viswanathan(Msc.,(Ag),Maruthagum kaikarigal(MP-5). Medical publications. 2018 June 6;64(8)

 

Frequently asked Questions(FAQ)

Chayote belongs to which family?

Chayote is belongs to the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae).Its botanical name is Sechium Edule. It is known as Chayote in the countries of the world.

What is the botanical name of chayote?

Its botanical name is Sechium Edule. It is known as Chayote in the countries of the world.

Which is chayote origin?

Chayote origin is Mexico and Guatemala. later its Cultivated in America, Asia, Africa, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, China and Europe. Now it is cultivated worldwide.

Which countries are cultivating chayote?

Chayote Cultivated in America, Asia, Africa, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, China and Europe. Now it is cultivated worldwide.

How many types are there in chayote?

There are two types in Chayote. That is normal and wild type Chayote. we are using normal chayote in our diet.

What are the different names of chayote?

Chow-chow is called in different names chayote, vegetable pear, Mexican squash, Chayote squash, alligator pear, custard marrow, and mirliton.

What is chayote name in Tamil?

In Tamil it is called chow chow, seemaai katharikai, Bangalore katharikai and maerakkai.

What is Bangalore eggplant?

Chayote is a pear type vegetable which also known as Bangalore Eggplant. Eggplant has nothing to do with Chayote. The name originated from the fact that it is grown in places around Bangalore and sold to Tamil Nadu.

Which parts of chayote can be used?

• Fruit- Chayote can be eaten both raw and cooked. Soaked in lemon juice and used as a pickle.it is also an antioxidant. • Tubers- Roots are found as tubers. It is used in many countries where it is cooked like potato, Tapioca root and sweet potato. • Leaves- The leaves and the stem part are fried and eaten.

What are the Medicinal benefits of Chayote ?

• Increase Urination. • Improves the protection of the heart and coronary arteries. • Acts against for Inflammation. • Being low in calories and carbohydrates, it is used for weight loss. • Prevents stomach ulcers.

Can we eat Chow-chow leaves?

Yes, we can. A decoction made from chayote (chow-chow) leaves protects the blood vessels. Prevents blood clots and helps regulate blood flow. Chayote prevents blood vessels from becoming less flexible and hardening. A decoction of the chayote leaves can control high blood pressure. It protects our body from various allergies and keeps it healthy.

How to dissolve kidney stones naturally?

The leaf decoction of chow-chow is special in dissolving kidney and kidney stones. the leaves are boiled and made into a tea, which is also help to reduce symptoms of coughs, colds, indigestion, kidney stones, and hypertension.