Chayote (Sechium edule), also known as mirliton, chocho, and vegetable pear, is a fruit in the Cucurbitaceae family and related to pumpkins, melons, and cucumbers.
Its mild taste and crisp texture resemble a cucumber-squash mix. Vitamin C and zinc are found in chayote, making it nutritious.
It also contains fibre and powerful plant compounds that may protect cells and lower blood sugar.
Flavonoids, phenolic acids, and cucurbitacins in chayote are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory.
These compounds increase the body's antioxidant defences, including SOD and GPx, and neutralise reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may reduce DNA, lipid, and protein damage.
Cellular damage and metabolic syndrome can result from high ROS levels.
Metabolic syndrome, which includes high blood sugar, abdominal fat, and blood pressure, increases the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.