How many calories does bitter melon have?

This is an automatically translated article.

Bitter gourd, scientific name Momordica charantia is a fruit that is low in calories and carbs but high in beneficial fiber. This fruit is also widely used in folk medicine. The following article will tell us about the nutritional composition and health benefits of bitter melon.

1. Nutritional composition of bitter melon

The nutritional content of bitter melon varies based on what part of the plant is being consumed and whether it is eaten raw or cooked. The following is the nutritional content of 124 grams of cooked bitter melon without added fat.
Calories: 24 Fat: 0.2g Sodium: 392mg Carbohydrates: 5.4g Fiber: 2.5g Sugar: 2.4g Protein: 1g Polyunsaturated fat 0.1g Sugar 2.4ggram Vitamin A : 2.8% Vitamin C : 68% Calcium: 0.9% Iron: 2.6% 1.1 Carbs Most of the calories in bitter melon come from carbohydrates. Since the total calorie content is very low, the carbs of bitter melon are also low. One cup of cooked bitter melon provides just over 5 grams of carbohydrates, about half of which is fiber (2.5 grams). Bitter gourd also contains some natural sugars but overall, they are a low glycemic fruit.
1.2 Fat Bitter melon has very little fat. One cup of cooked bitter melon contains less than 1/2 gram of fat unless additional fat is added during cooking.

1.3 Protein, vitamins and minerals Like most fruits, bitter melon is not a significant source of protein.
Micronutrients in bitter melon include: vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron and magnesium. Bitter gourd also provides some helpful B vitamins and antioxidants, like lutein and zeaxanthin.

2. Health benefits of bitter melon

Bitter gourd is often considered and discussed in the management of diabetes. However, the conclusions as to whether bitter melon works for patients with diabetes are inconsistent and more scientific evidence is needed. However. Some of the health benefits of bitter melon include the following:
2.1 Belly fat loss Although most of the data to date have been performed on laboratory rats, there is promising evidence for found the ability to reduce visceral fat storage of bitter melon. Bitter melon supplementation has been shown to reduce the proliferation of fat cells since the regulatory genes are not responsible for the generation of new fat cells. A reduction in waist circumference when eating bitter melon has also been observed in preliminary human studies.
2.2 Boosts immunity Bitter melon contains a protein called Momordica anti-human immunovirus protein (MAP30). MAP30 has been shown to support many functions of the immune system such as inhibiting HIV infection of T lymphocytes, enhancing natural killer and T helper cell counts, and hyperplasia B-cell production of immunoglobulins. Therefore, bitter melon seems to have a strong immune system support.
2.3 Promotes Heart Health Although human studies are rather limited, bitter melon also shows promise in the area of ​​protecting heart health. Studies have demonstrated the ability of bitter melon extract products to lower cholesterol levels by promoting cholesterol excretion through bile acids. Furthermore, eating fruits and vegetables promotes heart health by providing fiber, potassium, and antioxidant vitamins. Increasing the variety and amount of fruits and vegetables in your meals through foods like bitter melon will support a heart-healthy lifestyle.

2.4 Prevents Cell Damage Bitter melon contains several antioxidant compounds that have been shown to work against free radicals. Many studies have found that both the leaves and the fruit of bitter melon are beneficial phenolic compounds with the ability to reduce harmful oxidants.
2.5 Supports Vision Vitamin A in bitter melon can help prevent eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In particular, the accumulation of lutein and zeaxanthin in the retina provides local protection against oxidative damage. Furthermore, bitter melon contains vitamins E and C which have also been linked to the prevention of AMD.

3. Allergies and side effects caused by bitter melon

Bitter melon is not a fruit that is easy to cause allergies, but for people with hypersensitivity, allergic phenomena can still occur. If you notice symptoms after eating or handling bitter melon, contact your doctor for further examination and assistance.
Medical experts advise pregnant women to avoid eating bitter melon as it can cause premature contractions and miscarriage. Anyone taking P-glycoprotein substrates or Cytochrome P450 substrates can also have problems with bitter melon. Bitter melon may increase the effectiveness of diabetes medications. Therefore, it may not be safe to use together with other blood sugar-lowering drugs or insulin. Diarrhea, vomiting, and headaches have also been associated with bitter melon use.
There are two types of bitter gourd, Indian bitter melon and Chinese bitter melon. Compared with Indian bitter melon, Chinese bitter melon has finer veins, fewer warts and less bitter taste. Along with being eaten raw as a fruit, bitter melon can also be juiced. Bitter gourd extract or its powdered seeds can be purchased as herbal supplements or teas.
When there are signs of a bitter melon allergy after eating, go to a medical facility immediately to be examined and treated by a specialist doctor. Vinmec International General Hospital currently has a team of experienced, qualified doctors and nurses who are intensively trained in nutrition. You are not only examined but also consulted about nutrition suitable for each person's condition.
If you need to be examined at Vinmec, please book an appointment directly at the website or contact the hotline for detailed advice.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference sources: verywellfit.com, nutritionix.com