Tag: Squash family

Did you know that zucchini is botanically a fruit, not a vegetable? This popular summer staple belongs to a diverse plant family, making it closely related to a surprising number of other common foods.

According to the Library of Congress, the widespread confusion between yams and sweet potatoes in the United States dates back to the 1930s. The question, 'Are yams a potato or a squash?', is fueled by mislabeling in grocery stores and an unfamiliarity with true yams, which are botanically distinct from both potatoes and all types of squash.

While zucchini is celebrated for its antioxidant and fiber content that supports overall gut health, the specific claim that zucchini is antiparasitic is not strongly supported by current scientific evidence. While other members of the squash family, like pumpkin seeds, have been used traditionally for their deworming properties, there is a clear distinction between these different plants.