Mexican Veggie ‘Squashes’ Skin Cancer?

There’s nothing quite like sprawling out on a sandy beach or lounging by the poolside.

And if you’ve been lathering up with sunscreen before your dip your toes in the water, chances are you’re already taking a simple step to avoid SKIN CANCER.

But skin cancer DOESN’T take a break!

In fact, nearly 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer EVERY SINGLE DAY!

It ‘sneaks up’ on so many because most folks assume they can only get it in places with sunnier, hotter weather… or in the dead of summer (like right now).

But I can assure you that skin cancer has ZERO boundaries… and it doesn’t take these colder months off.

Fending off skin cancer doesn’t mean you need to rush to cover yourself from head-to-toe or bathe in sunscreen.

You may just need to swing by your local grocery store!

That’s because research has discovered that a strange looking Mexican veggie can help prevent (and even “squash”) skin cancer – all year long!

A study out of Indonesia has found that the chayote – a type of summer squash found in Mexico and parts of the Southwestern U.S. – is packed with compounds that can help STOP  the growth of skin cancer cells.

This particular study looked at a skin cancer called lentigo maligna melanoma – a condition caused by unprotected sun exposure, common in the climate of Indonesia.

During their tests, they found that a chayote (pronounced chai-ow-tay) extract inhibited the growth of skin cancer cells commonly associated with lentigo maligna melanoma.

The researchers also discovered that the chayote has compounds called saponins –antioxidants that protect your skin against harmful UV damage and inflammation.

Even though the chayote is native to Mexico there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find it at your local grocery store – especially during the spring and summer months when it is more abundant.

If your local store doesn’t have it, stores that specialize in Latin American food products often carry it.

You can also check out your local vitamin and supplement store to see if they carry chayote extract, which is usually in capsule form.

If you do go the route of a supplement, be sure to only take the dosage listed on the product label.

Finally, when it comes to skin cancer, the single best thing you can do to prevent it is to avoid prolonged, unprotected exposure to the sun (even during cold days).

To radiant and healthy skin,
Sarah Reagan

Sources:

Washburn, Joanne. “Chayote may help prevent and treat skin cancer – here’s how.” 2/19/22. https://www.food.news/2022-02-19-chayote-may-prevent-treat-skin-cancer.html