Chayote like pumpkin is one of the vegetables which is very low in calories, which provides just 16 calories per 100 g and contain no saturated fats or cholesterol. Chayote is light green, pear shaped fruit also known as Chaco is originally native to Mexico. It can be consumed raw or steamed, baked, stuffed, fried, boiled etc. Chayote requires well drained moist soil, long warm growing season to flourish.
Nutrition Facts:
Chayote is a good source of nutrients,vitamins and minerals.They are good source of B-Complex vitamin and folates.
Nutrients Values
Water 149.49g
Energy 38k calories
Protein 0.99g
Total Lipid 0.77g
Carbohydrate 8.14g
Total dietary fiber 4.5g
Calcium 21mg
Iron 0.35mg
Potassium 277mg
Magnesium 19mg
Sodium 2mg
Zinc 0.5mg
Copper 0.176mg
Thiamine 0.042mg
Riboflavin 0.064mg
Niacin 0.672mg
Health benefits of Chayote:
1.Helps in weight loss:
Chayote as well as other pumpkins,is a veggie that contains a very low amount of calories.Chayote contains a lot of fiber,this is why it is a recommended food for those people who are eagerly trying to lose some weight.
2.Helps prevent birth infant defects:
Chayote is a vegetable that contains B complex vitamins as well as folate.The folate is absolutely necessary in the process of division of cells,so that the pregnant women while consuming it will help their infant grow and develop in a proper way and prevent it from suffering from any neurological defects.
3.Helps to lower your cholesterol levels:
Chayote doesn’t contain any saturated fats and based on these factors,the Chayote is definitely used to control your overall cholesterol levels.This is why it is quite good to be used by people who are dealing with high levels of cholesterol.
4.Treat kidney stones:
Chayote especially the leaves of this veggie can definitely be used in treating kidney stones.Chayote leaves can also be found useful when it comes to lowering the overall high blood pressure levels.
5.Lowers your high blood pressure:
The regular consumption of Chayote is believed to help you lower your overall blood pressure levels in the body.
Side effects of Chayote:
Chayote will not cause any side effects on health.However there is one thing you should be earful is when you peel the Chayote.When you peel the Chayote,it will emit a clear colored sap that can cause itching and hands or fingers that hold Chayote that has been peeled and even can feel numb.
Fun facts of Chayote:
1.Chayote is a god source of amino acids,folate and vitamin C.
2.It is a cucumber like fruit that resembles an avocado or pear.
3.Chayote originated in Central America,where it was cultivated by Aztecs and Mayans.
How to buy and store chayote?
1.Search for medium sized,fresh ,apple green color,firm fruits.
2.Avoid buying if you find any surface cuts,pits,cracks or bruises.
3.Place them in a paper bag and store inside the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator.They will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 weeks.
Safety profile:
1.Chayote pears releases latex like liquid especially while peeling which can cause peculiar tingling sensation and numbness in handling parts.
2.Use hand gloves to avoid the numbness.
North Indian Dish:
Chayote Dry Curry:
Nutrients Values
Total Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 2mg
Carbohydrates 8.1g
Protein 1g
Calcium 20.8mg
Potassium 276.8mg
Ingredients:
1.3 Chayote with skin peeled and finely chopped.
2.1 onion finely chopped
3.3 garlic pods finely chopped
4.1/2 inch piece of ginger chopped
5.2 tsp mustard seeds
6.1/2 tsp paprika
7.1 tsp garam masala
8.2 tbsp olive oil
9.Salt and pepper
10.3 tbsp vegetable stock
11.1/2 lime
Method:
1.Add chopped onions,ginger and garlic into a pan with olive oil and saute on a low flame for about 15 minutes.
2.Add the chopped Chayote,vegetable stock,mustard seeds,garam masala,paprika and stir well.
3.Let cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes .Garnish it with chili flakes and lime juice.
South Indian Dish:
Chayote sabzi:
Ingredients:
1.1 Chayote
2.2 tbsp oil
3.1/2 tsp mustard seeds
4.1 tsp urad dal
5.1 tsp chana dal
6.2 to 3 dry red chillies
7.1/4 tsp turmeric powder
8.1/4 tsp asafoetida powder
9.1 to 2 tsp jaggery
10.Salt to taste
11.2 tbsp grated coconut
Method:
1.Wash,peel and remove the seeds from the chayote and chop into small pieces.
2.Heat the oil in a pan.
3.Add the mustard seeds,when it starts to splutter,add the yrad dal,chana dal,turmeric powder,asafoetida and saute for few seconds.
4.Add the curry leaves ,chopped chayote,jaggery and salt to taste.Mix well.
5.Cook on a medium flame for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are slightly cooked.
6.Add the grated coconut,mix well and serve hot.
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