Nutritional Composition of Bitter Gourd Types (Momordica Charantia L.)

Krishnendu J. R., Nandini P. V.

Momordica charantia, Bitter gourd, Fresh samples, Light green big.

Bitter gourd has important role as a source of carbohydrate, proteins, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in human diet (Ali et al., 2008) which are necessary for maintaining proper health. To assess the chemical and nutritional composition of the selected bitter gourd types in the fresh and dried form, the following parameters were determined i.e. total carbohydrate, protein, dietary fibre, moisture, β carotene, vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, iron, manganese, copper and zinc. The study revealed that highest protein, moisture, vitamin C and folic acid content were found in Light green big (2.06 g, 90.40 per cent, 98.2 mg and 0.10 µg/ ml respectively). Highest carbohydrate and fibre content was found in light green small (8.22 g and 1.21 g). The amount of beta carotene was found to be highest in nei paval sample (140.03 mcg/100g). In the case of mineral analysis, highest calcium, phosphorus and sodium content were found in light green big (25.44 mg/ 100g and 79.64 mg/100 g 20.12 mg / 100 g respectively). The potassium and iron content was found highest in nei paval (174.46 mg/ 100 g 2.14 mg). Highest manganese, copper and zinc content were noticed in light green big (34.57 mg, 40.17 mg and 90.41 mg/ 100g respectively).

10.22161/ijaers/3.10.18