Alaibable in abundance in Nagaland, the vegetable commonly called ‘squash’ or ‘eskos’ locally has a number of medicinal and health benefits. Globally it is known by other names including chayote, pipinola, pear squash, vegetable pear, or choko
Squash is actually a fruit that is used as a vegetable. It is low in calories and chock-full of vitamins and other nutrients.
Health benefits of Squash:
Lots of Vitamin C – It contains a good amount of vitamin C thus helping to prevent colds, flues, and boost our immune system.
B -Vitamins – Squash also contains a good amount of B-Vitamins making it important for good mood and vitality, and for the prevention of birth defects.
Vitamin K – It also contains Vitamin K which helps to prevent excessive clotting and thus helping to prevent heart attacks.
Antioxidants – V contains lots of great antioxidant polyphenols like green tea, including luteolin and apigenin which help prevent and repair DNA damage.. and prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease, and strokes.
Diuretic and Works Well for Gas and Bloating – Squash is a mild diuretic like cucumber, and the flesh of the fruit can also be used for making tea for getting rid of gas and bloating.
Great for Weight Loss – One whole Squash contains less than 40 calories… so chayote is excellent for dropping those extra pounds.
Leaves are Edible – The leaves are also edible and also work if sautéed and used in salads.
Fiber for Probiotics – It is full of fiber making it an excellent food for promoting the growth of good bacteria in our gut. Also fiber helps with constipation… and gives us that full feeling so we eat less.
Roots are Edible – Squash roots are also edible and work just like potatoes in all kinds of dishes. The roots are also know as Ichintal and güisquil roots in other areas of the world and are considered a delicacy.
Fat and Cholesterol Free Food – Squash is a fat free food containing less than a tenth of a gram of fat per fruit, and no cholesterol at all… thus making it a very healthy food.
Dissolves Kidney and Bladders Stones – A tea made from Squash leaves has long been used to dissolve kidney and bladder stones and this was also studied and proven to be true by Purdue University.
Arteriosclerosis – Purdue University also said that the leaves of the Squash plant also helps with hardening of arteries thus helping with cardiovascular disease.
Lowers Blood Pressure – And tea made from its leaves has also been used for centuries to lower blood pressure, and was found to be true in studies by leading Universities.
Lots of Trace Minerals – Squash contains zinc for boosting up our immune system, calcium and phosphorus for strong bones, and potassium for water regulation and good heart contractions, and magnesium for enzyme production, plus iron and copper for anemia.
New Shoots Like Green Beans – The new green shoots can cut off be used like green beans and have a nice sweet taste.
Juicing for Alkalizing the Body – It is full of juice making it great for making a light and delicate flavored juice which also helps to alkalize the body.