The chayote is widely eaten in many parts of the world.

Native to Mexico, but is now found in many countries including India, Philippines, Indonesia and Hawaii thanks to early explorers, the chayote plant offers a variety of culinary and medicinal value.

The green apple-gourd looking fruit of the chayote plant (as well as its edible seed) is a good source of vitamin C and amino acids.

The tuberous part of the chayote root is starchy and is eaten like yam.

The leaves, fruit and root of the chayote plant are considered to have diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, and are protective of the cardiovascular system. For example, a tea made from the leaves of the chayote plant has traditionally been used in dealing with arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and even to dissolve kidney stones.

References
[1] Collins, Elise Marie. An A-Z Guide to Healing Foods: A Shopper’s Companion. San Francisco, California: Conari Press, 2009. Print.
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chayote

Cindy L. TJOL is trained in Psychology, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has several years of experience writing on natural health on the internet. Follow her on her blog and read her other articles at Insights On Health.com.