One cup of chayote provides 31% of daily folate requirements and 17% of Vitamin C.

Chayote (español: chayote) (Sechium edule) is a type of squash that belongs to the gourd family. Chayote is green and pear-shaped with a white inner flesh that is mild, sweet, juicy and crisp. The chayote plant is perennial and native to the tropics of the Western Hemisphere. Chayote is available year-round but its peak season is fall.

It is loaded with B vitamins, potassium and vitamin C. Chayote is rich in folate, a B vitamin essential to cell division and DNA formation. Extracts of chayote leaf, stem and seed have antimicrobial benefits against strains of bacteria, even some that are antibiotic-resistant.

A folate deficiency can lead to lack of energy, poor immune function and impaired digestion. Folate is especially important nutrient for pregnant women to prevent birth defects like spina bifida.

Nutrition: 1 cup chayote
calories 25 carbohydrates 6 g fat 0 g fiber 2.2 g folate 31% DV magnesium 4% DV manganese 12% DV niacin 3% DV potassium 5% DV protein 1.1 g sugar 2.2 g zinc 7% DV vitamin B6 5% DV vitamin C 17% DV vitamin K 7% DV