Photo: Anna Shvets

What is toxic squash syndrome?

ccmhhealth.com - Pumpkin Lovers Beware: Know the Signs of Toxic Squash Syndrome

What happens when I stop eating chocolate?

You may lose weight. Since one regular bar of milk chocolate contains approximately 235 calories, eliminating the indulgence from your diet can...

Last updated Jan 15, 2018

What does burning body fat smell like?

When you burn fat, your body produces a chemical that can make your sweat smell either like nail polish remover or slightly fruity. Feb 5, 2020

Last updated Oct 15, 2020

Promotion

What’s the first signal of autumn? For many of us, it’s our go-to coffee shop announcing that Pumpkin Spice is back for the season! In the last decade, the pumpkin spice craze has affected nearly every aisle of the grocery store. In their list of pumpkin spice products for the 2022 season, Taste of Home includes a pumpkin spice variety of cotton candy, hot chocolate mix, cereal, peanut butter, and of course, many baked goods. In some rare cases, consuming this nutritious fruit can cause a health concern known as toxic squash syndrome.

Are pumpkins good for you?

Pumpkins are a type of winter squash. They belong to the same plant family as cucumbers and melons. With seeds on the inside, pumpkins are technically a fruit. Its nutritional makeup, however,a pumpkin is more like a vegetable. Pumpkins are rich in vitamins A, K, E, B6, C and potassium. Pumpkin seeds are also a great, healthy snack. They are low in carbs but high in fat, making them an ideal snack for those following plant-based or low carb diets.

What is bitter squash?

Although the health benefits are numerous, a problem can occur in the cultivation of some members of the Cucurbitaceae family — which includes pumpkins, squash, melons and cucumbers. These fruits can produce cucurbitacins. Cucurbitacins are chemicals that cause the fruit to taste bitter and become toxic. During normal production, these fruits produce little to no cucurbitacins. Accidental cross-pollination of crops may occur which causes high levels of these chemicals. The fruit appears normal whether affected by cucurbitacins or not, and a consumer may not realize anything is wrong until taking a bitter bite. Continuing to consume the bitter fruit can lead to toxic squash syndrome.

What are the symptoms of toxic squash syndrome?

The most common symptoms associated with toxic squash syndrome include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In extreme cases, toxic squash syndrome has caused swelling in the liver, gallbladder, kidney, and pancreas. Two cases of hair loss due to toxic squash syndrome were reported in a study from France in 2018, and in 2015, a German man died from toxic squash syndrome after eating a zucchini. Death is thankfully incredibly rare from toxic squash syndrome. If you notice any fruits in the squash family seeming bitter to taste, stop eating them immediately, and if you develop serious symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately. Need a doctor? Our CCMH providers would love to care for you. Find one today at ccmhhealth.com/providers.

https://www.cookinglight.com/news/what-is-toxic-squash-syndrome-sickness

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pumpkin-nutrition-review#nutrition

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/ask-expert/featured/are-volunteer-squash-toxic#:~:text=Diarrhea%2C%20vomiting%2C%20and%20abdominal%20pain,is%20probably%20OK%20to%20eat.

https://www.livescience.com/62158-toxic-squash-syndrome-hair-loss.html

Can cucumbers lower a1c?

Finally, cucumbers are low in carbohydrates, so they can be a good option for people with elevated blood sugar levels. Early trials suggest that...

Last updated Nov 4, 2021

How many pounds per week can you lose on a keto diet?

The lowdown The keto diet changes the way your metabolism works by encouraging it to use ketone bodies instead of glucose for energy production. In...

Last updated Aug 1, 2020

Promotion

Is summer squash a Superfood?

Delicious, hearty, and versatile, squash is a superfood popular in original blue zones areas. Whether it's roasted as a side, pureed in a soup, or baked into a veggie roast, it deserves a spot at your dinner table.

bluezones.com - This Delicious Superfood is a Blue Zones Longevity Staple

This Delicious Superfood is a Blue Zones Longevity Staple

Harvest season is a time to celebrate bountiful crops, months of hard work, and the blessings of family. Delicious, hearty, and versatile, squash is a superfood popular in original blue zones areas. Whether it’s roasted as a side, pureed in a soup, or baked into a veggie roast, it deserves a spot at your dinner table.

Squash in Blue Zones Regions

Kabocha squash, or Japanese pumpkin, is popular in Okinawan cooking and is a good source of vitamins and toxin-removing fiber. All kinds of squash are grown and enjoyed in Ikaria, Greece, including butter squash and pumpkin-type squash. In the Nicoya region of Costa Rica, squash (often ayote or calabaza, similar to hard-shelled squash related to pumpkins or winter squash such as butternut, hubbard, or spaghetti squash) is a staple food that is often referred to as one of the “three sisters.”

Three Sisters of Squash, Beans, and Corn

In Mesoamerican agriculture, the “three sisters” of squash, beans, and corn are grown together, eaten together, and celebrated together. They provide a symbiotic growing relationship, as well as a complete nutritional profile. Corn provides carbohydrates, beans are rich in protein and fiber, and squash yields both vitamins and healthy fats from its seeds. Load up on this fiber-filled food this fall or pair it with corn and beans all year round!

Is it OK to overeat on rest days?

Beware the Urge to Binge You may feel hungrier on a rest day because your body is craving to get in those calories that it burned off the previous...

Last updated Mar 19, 2018

Can you eat any sweets on keto diet?

If you're on a keto diet and have a raging sweet tooth, you've got options. You can always rely on keto ice cream, high-fat low-carb brownies, or a...

Last updated Sep 14, 2020

Promotion

How long can you marinate pork in pineapple juice?

If you use fresh pineapple juice, you will only want to marinate chicken or pork for 1-2 hours or else the bromelain can soften the protein too...

Last updated Feb 10, 2019

Promotion

What foods trigger body odor?

6 foods that cause body odor, according to a registered dietitian Allium vegetables. Allium vegetables are specific types of veggies that are high...

Last updated Jul 20, 2019