Is it a pear? Is it a guava? Is it a fruit or a vegetable?
Say sort of yes to all of the above. It looks like a pear or a guava, is really a fruit and eaten like a vegetable.
But the one indisputable fact about chayote (pronounced chi-oh-tay) it is good, good, good for you and tasty too.
Here are 5 fab reasons you might want to stock them in your anti-aging arsenal.
1. Heart Health. Just 100 g of fresh chayote contains 23% of your daily recommended dose of folate, a B vitamin that will keep your heart in excellent ticking condition. It does this by preventing a build-up of homocystein - an amino acid linked to coronary heart disease and stroke.
2. Reduce Inflammation. Cell damage and internal inflammation are unfortunate by-products of aging. You won't notice the high levels of vitamin C and other flavonoids in chayote, but your body will by using them to reduce and counteract inflammation and keep your insides young and healthy.
3. Energize Yourself. Forget caffeine. Nosh on this pear-shaped veggie and get a load of manganese. This micronutrient helps your body to convert protein and fats into energy.
4. Constipation Be Gone. Eat chayote and your bowels will thank you for the fibre. They have a significant quantity of the amount you need each day to be regular and to keep your cholesterol in check.
5. Lose Weight. Chayote contains a measly 16 calories per 100 grams, has no saturated fats or cholesterol and tons of fibre. That means you can eat as much of it as you like and enjoy only benefits.
Eat it raw, boiled, sauteed or pureed.
Chayote with Ginger & Cumin
Ingredients
2 chayotes
1 small onion diced
¼ tsp each cumin and mustard seeds
2 garlic cloves diced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp of coconut oil
Method
1. Heat the coconut oil in a large frying pan.
2. Add cumin and mustard seeds and allow to splutter.
3. Add onions and cook until opaque then add ginger and garlic and stir for a few seconds.
4. Add the chayote, salt and pepper. Cook until tender then sprinkle with fresh coriander leaves and enjoy.
